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Jamdar Hospital Pvt Ltd — a tertiary care, super specialty and multi-specialty hospital in Jabalpur — is one of the largest healthcare providers in the Mahakoushal region, which ensures that services provided are in accordance with the highest standards, says Director of the Hospital Dr Jitendra Jamdar .

What changes do you see once Jabalpur becomes a Smart City?

It’s indeed a great concept by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I can remember those days when the Prime Minister disclosed that his government is planning to build 100 Smart Cities across India, which was followed by a flurry of jokes on the Internet. The people then took it on lighter note. But, we must be thankful to the Prime Minister that he somehow managed to give it a shape. At the same time, people have to understand that any city cannot be made “smart” overnight. For that, their participation will also be needed. And, we expect 100 percent participation from them, not even 99 percent.

We are fortunate that Jabalpur has also been listed in first 20 Smart Cities, declared by the Government of India. It will kickstart business in the city. As much as 500 acres of land in Jabalpur has been allotted under the Smart City plan, and luckily, the area of Jamdar Hospital comes under this.

Retrofitting is going to be a major activity for the local administration under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM). We can hope for development of “Jabalpur Smart City” in a way that it should compete with international standards. There must be efficient and uninterrupted supply of power, water, roads and other infrastructure. Once the city becomes smart, there should be proper plantation, drainage, management of squares and plazas followed by proper underground cables and water supply system. Initially, we can also expect a total wi-fi zone, in a few selected areas and this is how I envision the Smart City of Jabalpur.

As a healthcare provider, what plans do you have for a ‘smarter’ Jabalpur?

Jabalpur has a fantastic potential in the healthcare sector. I began my practice 33 years ago and ours is the oldest nursing home in the state, which was established in 1958. I joined this noble service of serving people in 1982.

Having said this, Jabalpur is already a tertiary healthcare centre and is equipped with six Cath Labs. Five years ago, I did a surgery of Limb Preservation System (LPS), which was sixth in the country. So there is huge scope in the healthcare sector with no dearth of technology. Let’s see how we can plan on this.

What challenges do you foresee in carrying out efficient healthcare delivery as the city goes from traditional to “smart”?

The major challenge rests in the thinking or mindset of the people which has to be changed. In carrying out efficient delivery of any service, particularly in the medical field, insurance companies take the shot. Third Party Administrators (TPAs) of such companies bluff people against the claim made by the ones getting treated. There is a need to involve some good insurance companies, which can deliver services in the interest of the people. The government also has to open up to the private sectors. The people should also understand the need to spend more if they want vestar treatment.

How do you compare Jabalpur with Bhopal and Indore, which are also slated to become “smart”?

Every city is unique in terms of the demography it has. It is true that Indore has always been treated as the number one medical spot in the State, but Jabalpur too has potential. The only problem is that Jabalpur always had a low profile on the political front, with Bhopal and Indore being politically high-pitched.

Does Jabalpur have the potential to become a medical tourism hub?

It has tremendous potential to become one, rather it is already a medical tourism hub. Just to speak factually, we have a doctor in the city, who is getting patients from the Middle-East. But the idea of medical tourism is always combined with standard tourism which includes roads, theatre, parks, wildlife sanctuaries and other infrastructural facilities.

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