"I have a dream that one day we will provide free healthcare to all." - Dr. Prasun Mishra.

Published in The Voice News, Interview with Dr. Prasun Mishra on His Vision for Healthcare; Interviewer: Krishna Mishra "Gautam"

Dr. Prasun Mishra, an influential investor, founder, and chair of the American Association for Precision Medicine (AAPM) and Chair of WISE: World Investors and Entrepreneurs Society, an investment group headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, USA, recently made waves during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, where he engaged in productive discussions with both government officials and private sector leaders. Although he has made significant contributions to the pharmaceutical sector in the US, Dr. Mishra, originally from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, retains a deep connection to his roots.

In this exclusive interview, Dr. Prasun Mishra shares his visionary outlook on the healthcare sector and his aspiration to provide free healthcare to all.

??Interviewer: *Dr. Mishra, you frequently visit India during major international events. How do you view the healthcare model in a vast country like India?

Dr. Prasun Mishra: Implementing any successful plan within a set timeframe can turn dreams into reality. I have spent considerable time studying Universal Healthcare and Free Healthcare Models. During my visit to India in 2019, I had the opportunity to visit several private charity-operated hospitals that provide free services, including surgeries and specialized care. This model is unique. The world faced the tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, and we contributed tirelessly by providing free PPE and essential medical equipment to hospitals across India. Whenever vaccines are available, we offer them for free.

??Interviewer: What are your plans for you and your institute?

Dr. Prasun Mishra: Currently, we are proposing a scheme where people living below the poverty line in developing countries can access necessary medicines at discounted rates or even for free.

??Interviewer: Can these efforts be extended to provide free healthcare globally?

Dr. Prasun Mishra: Yes, it's possible. Some countries, like Brazil and India, have already moved towards this model. India, for instance, has a multi-level universal healthcare system where the cost is covered by a combination of public and private health insurance funds, primarily funded by taxes. Public hospitals are mandated to provide free services to all Indian residents, with only nominal co-payments for certain services.

??Interviewer: What are your thoughts on the Ayushman Bharat scheme launched by the Government of India?

Dr. Prasun Mishra: The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a significant step by the Indian government. It provides insurance coverage, free medicines, and clinical treatment for all Indian citizens with severe diseases. In 2021, Brazil was the only country where anyone within the state's jurisdiction was eligible for immediate, free, and complete healthcare, including treatments, surgeries, and medications, regardless of residency, ethnicity, nationality, or visa status.

??Interviewer: What other efforts should be made in the medical field to benefit the general public in the future?

Dr. Prasun Mishra: The medical sector is a service-oriented field. The Universal Healthcare model, where everyone can receive treatment without discrimination, is well-received by the community. If we can collectively implement Universal Healthcare in the near future, it will be a dream come true for the healthcare community and a significant step toward providing equal access to healthcare services?for?all.