India as a country is yet to realize the business potential of health, feels JVR Prasada Rao, secretary Health, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. While few states that have invested in health are well above the national average in overall growth indicators, the states that failed to do so are lagging much behind, the secretary pointed out. He wanted Indian industry to realize the benefits in investing in health and to sensitize the state governments on the need to increase their share in health spend.

"Healthy population would entail healthy workforce, which in turn would lead to greater productivity and vibrant economy. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the industry to invest more in healthcare delivery systems", he said.

Delivering the inaugural address at a two day international conference on "Emerging issues in health: globalization and sustainable development" which began here on Tuesday, Rao wanted all states to learn from the benefits gained by states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh etc due to higher investment in health. Lauding the efforts of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in launching India Business Trust, Rao wanted more investments to flow into the trust from Indian business community. "You have 3,000 members across the country. Even if each member can be persuaded to contribute Rs 10,000 each, your trust will have substantial corpus. Indian Business Trust needs more visibility, he suggested. The CII and World Vision (India), an NGO of international repute are jointly organizing the event.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Lynn Arnold, vice president, Asia pacific, World Vision, said that India, being an emerging superpower, would do well to invest more in health related issues. He congratulated the Government on the impressive results of the pulse polio immunization programme.

Arnold wanted all stakeholders to join hands to multiply the benefits. On World Vision's plans in India, Arnold said that his organization would focus on educating adolescent girls and truck drivers. He said that education at the grass roots level was the key to prevention of HIV / AIDS.

The conference is covering all major public health problems like HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, and leprosy. Lectures based on integrated management of childhood illnesses, adolescent health and maternity mortality are also planned during the programme. All stakeholders including medical professionals, industry representatives and civil society are attending the conference.