Ahmedabad Hospitals & Nursing home Association (AHNA)

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic tested the resilience of the Indian healthcare system, but it also showed the lack of coordination among different stakeholders. India has about 2000 industry associations, constituting bodies at national, regional, local levels: industry specific and agnostic. Industry associations have been common in India and often act as gatekeepers to the unorganized Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). In return for membership, MSMEs can channel their voice at apex meetings involving administration and other think tanks, through the association representative. The healthcare sector has many prominent associations like IMA, IPA etc. In the wake of the first Covid-19 wave, Dr. Bharat Gadhavi and his executive council realized the increasing importance of Ahmedabad Hospital & Nursing home Association (AHNA) and the roles an organization like AHNA played in effectuating a coordinated response. However, the association has been tackling repeated issues, many of which are due to lack of recognition by the government. This poses serious questions – what action plan should AHNA adopt to gain credibility & recognition; what are the new initiatives AHNA should undertake in order to increase its membership and become the united voice of hospital and nursing homeowners in Ahmedabad?