Parul University’s Faculty of Medicine successfully hosted the National Healthcare Skill Conclave (NHSC) 2024 in association with Pragya. The conclave aimed to enhance healthcare education and highlight and address the critical skill gaps in the healthcare field. The conclave witnessed the presence of healthcare professionals, educators, and aspiring medical students. The 4-day conclave with the theme of “Mastery in Motion: The Art of Healthcare Skills and Simulation” offered a unique platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and skill exchange.

Experts conducted various interactive sessions and discussed cutting-edge medical technologies, ethical practices and healthcare management. Renowned personalities from the healthcare sector were invited as honorary guests and these include Dr. Minaxi Chauhan (Chief District Health Officer, Vadodara), Shri Harshadkumar Ratilal Patel (IAS, Commissioner of Health, Medical Services and Medical Education, Gujarat), Dr. Prakash K. Suthar (Nodal Officer - NCD Division. Government of Gujarat), and Dr. Meenakshi Sharma (Scientist G, Division of NCD, ICMR, New Delhi).

During the conclave, students pursuing courses in the fields of Medical, Allied Health, and Life Sciences were offered hands-on skill training and experiential learning by conducting 17 hands-on workshops in the healthcare and medicine field. Students received practical experience in various medical procedures including laparoscopy, advanced airway management, ECG, mechanical ventilation, mass casualty and trauma management, use of AR-VR in healthcare emergencies, and others. These workshops demonstrated the importance of skill enhancement in improving patient care. More than 1000 students and 25 clinical experts participated in the workshops.

Competitions and activities were also conducted during the conclave which allowed students to showcase their case studies using poster and paper presentations and enabled them to share their experiences, and expertise, and engage with their peers. The conclave also offered a glimpse into the future of medicine and healthcare by showing research studies and innovations. Exert talks and pane discussions focused on the theme of Medical Innovation in Healthcare were also held during the National Healthcare Skill Conclave 2024. Dr. Meenakshi Sharma (Scientist G, Division of NCD, ICMR, New Delhi) served as the guest of the “Managing Emergencies at Golden Hour” workshop. The workshop focused on preparing medical officers working in Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), and district hospitals for effective medical emergency management.

The workshop was conducted as per the sanction received by the university in association with the Health Department regarding the ICMR National Task Force on Multicenter Implementation Research Study on High-Quality Acute Emergency Care Systems in Vadodara Districts in Gujarat. She provided essential information during the workshop about the field of medical research and implementation and training participants for optimizing emergency care delivery during the very critical “Golden Hour”, ensuring a quick and effective response to a medical crisis.

Vice President and Medical Director of Parul University, Dr. Geetika Madan Patel also shared her thoughts about the conclave and said, “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 of 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,”

The 2024 edition of the National Healthcare Skill Conclave (NHSC) acknowledges its role in advancing the agenda of excellence in healthcare education and practice. It also reaffirms its dedication to promoting excellence in healthcare and medicine. The conclave has not only promoted the sharing of knowledge and enhanced the importance of skill development, but has also established the foundation for continued collaboration and innovation in the healthcare sector. The National Healthcare Skill Conclave 2024 serves as the proof of dedication of the university to fostering a transformative change to enhance healthcare for the betterment of society