With a focus on enhancing healthcare education and highlighting and addressing the critical skill gaps in the healthcare field, city-based PU successfully hosted the much anticipated National Healthcare Skill Conclave (NHSC). The conclave hosted by the university’s Faculty of Medicine in association with Pragya - The Advanced Skill and Simulation Center brought together healthcare professionals, educators, and aspiring medical students. The 4-day National Healthcare Skill Conclave (NHSC) 2024 with the theme of “Mastery in Motion: The Art of Healthcare Skills and Simulation” provided an unparalleled platform for knowledge exchange, skill development, and networking.

Interactive sessions conducted by experts covered a wide range of topics and points of discussions ranging from cutting edge medical technologies to healthcare management and ethical practices. Eminent personalities from the world of healthcare such as Shri Harshadkumar Ratilal Patel (IAS, Commissioner of Health, Medical Services and Medical Education, Gujarat), Dr. Minaxi Chauhan (Chief District Health Officer, Vadodara), Dr. Prakash K. Suthar (Nodal Officer - NCD Division. Government of Gujarat), and Dr. Meenakshi Sharma (Scientist G, Division of NCD, ICMR, New Delhi) graced the event as the honorary guests.

The National Healthcare Skill Conclave (NHSC) 2024 hosted an impressive 17 hands-on workshops in the healthcare and medicine field to provide hands-on skill training and experiential learning to the students pursuing courses in the field of Medical, Allied Health, and Life Sciences. The hands-on workshop provided practical experience in various medical procedures such as laparoscopy, advanced airway management, ECG, mechanical ventilation, mass casualty and trauma management, use of AR-VR in healthcare emergencies and others emphasizing the importance of skill enhancement in improving patient care. The program saw participation from 1000+ students and more than 25 Resource Persons who brought their clinical expertise through workshops and masterclasses.

The conclave also saw a myriad of competitions and activities which allowed the aspiring students to present their case studies through poster and paper presentations enabling them to share their experiences, expertise, and engage with their peers. The conclave showed groundbreaking and novel research studies and innovations offering a glimpse into the future of medicine and healthcare. The National Healthcare Skill Conclave 2024 featured a curated selection of expert talks and panel discussions with a significant focus on the theme Medical Innovation in Healthcare. Dr. Meenakshi Sharma (Scientist G, Division of NCD, ICMR, New Delhi) served as the guest of the workshop titled “Managing Emergencies at Golden Hour” which focused on equipping medical officers working in Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs) and district hospitals with essential skills for effective management of medical emergencies.

The workshop was curated in alignment with the recent sanction that the university received in association with the Health Department on the ICMR National Task Force on Multicenter Implementation Research Study on High-Quality Acute Emergency Care Systems in Vadodara Districts in Gujarat. During her workshop, she provided crucial insights into the domain of medical research and implementation and provided training to participants on how to optimize emergency care delivery during the very critical “Golden Hour”, ensuring a rapid and efficient response to medical crises.

“The National Healthcare Skill Conclave 2024 was not just an event, it was a collaborative effort towards empowering our healthcare workforce and the aspiring students with the latest skills and knowledge in the field of medicine and healthcare skills. Our commitment to advancing healthcare education has been strengthened through the collaborations and insights gained during this conclave and we’re very proud with what we’ve achieved through this conclave. We look forward to continuing this journey, nurturing skills that save lives, and contributing to the healthcare sector's growth,” said Dr. Geetika Madan Patel, Vice President and Medical Director, PU.

National Healthcare Skill Conclave (NHSC) with this 2024 edition recognizes its role in driving forward the agenda of excellence in healthcare education and practice and extends its commitment to foster excellence in healthcare and medicine. With its resounding success, the conclave has not only facilitated an unparalleled knowledge exchange and enhanced the importance of skill development, but has also laid the foundation for continued collaboration and innovation in the healthcare sector. The National Healthcare Skill Conclave 2024 is a testament to the university's commitment to fostering a transformative change to advance healthcare for the betterment of the society.