Family Medicine Paradigms in India: A Strategic Imperative

Dr Roshni Jhan Ganguly
Organising Secretary – WONCA South Asia Region Conference 2025

Family Medicine in India is rapidly evolving as an essential pillar of the nation's healthcare system. With its focus on comprehensive, continuous, and coordinated care, Family Medicine is uniquely positioned to address the diverse and complex health needs of India's vast and varied population. As the country faces an increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health issues, and an aging population, the role of Family Medicine has never been more critical.

However, the integration of Family Medicine into the broader healthcare framework has been challenging. Despite its proven benefits, there remains a significant gap in the number of trained family physicians, as well as in the recognition and support for the specialty within the health system. This gap is particularly evident in rural and underserved areas where access to quality primary care is limited.

In recent positive developments, in 2019 the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act was passed by the Parliament of India, which mandated the inclusion of family medicine in the mainstream medical education system. Also, the Government of India has written to state governments to incorporate family medicine programs within the National Health Mission. The government has also offered funds to start MD/DNB Family Medicine Training Programs and to train state medical officers in family medicine.

Against this backdrop, the WONCA South Asia Region (SAR) Family Medicine Conference in 2025 in India holds tremendous significance. This conference will provide a platform for family physicians, healthcare policymakers, and stakeholders from across the region to come together and discuss the future of Family Medicine in South Asia. It will facilitate the exchange of best practices, innovative models of care, and strategies for overcoming challenges unique to the region. It will also attract policymakers who could be influenced, leading to better integration of Family Medicine into healthcare policies.

Hosting the WONCA SAR conference in India is not just a matter of prestige, but a strategic imperative. It will spotlight the country's commitment to strengthening primary care and provide an opportunity to showcase the advancements being made in Family Medicine. Moreover, it will serve as a catalyst for policy change, encouraging the government and health institutions to invest more in this crucial specialty.

In conclusion, the WONCA SAR Family Medicine Conference 2025 in India is poised to be a landmark event. It will not only reinforce the importance of Family Medicine in the region but also contribute significantly to the global discourse on primary care. By bringing together experts from across South Asia, this conference will help chart a course for a more robust, resilient, and equitable healthcare system in India and beyond.

More information on the WONCA South Asia Regional Conference in Bengaluru, India.
Visit the conference website.