Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a global safety science organization, in association with CNN-IBN, presented “India Demands Safety Standards”, a multi-pronged initiative by UL that showcases the importance of safety standards across various verticals. The campaign is designed at raising consumer awareness about the advantages of safety-compliant products, devices and technology vis-à-vis non-certified alternatives across varied categories such as toys, electronic devices, chemicals, medical equipment and even buildings.
The first chapter of this campaign was flagged off at The Oberoi Delhi, with Yours Truly as anchor designate. It focussed on the Healthcare sector, throwing light on the safety regulations and standardization of medical devices and equipment that the industry must follow to ensure safety of the patients as well as the individuals operating it. The recent announcement by the government to set up a regulator is probably the first effort which also gives a fillip to UL’s commitment to providing safe standards in healthcare for India. It is in this hopeful environ, that this televised event unfolded.
Opening the proceedings, Suresh Sugavanam, Vice President and Managing Director, UL South Asia (India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka) spoke about infusing a renewed commitment to safety by UL in India and South Asia. Sugavanam is aligning UL India operations with the Indian Government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Smart Cities’ projects to create a safe and sustainable living environment for all.
The principal speaker of the evening was Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman & Managing Director of Medanta – The Medicity. The Chief Guest, Bhanu Pratap, senior IAS officer, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, also addressed the gathering.
‘Safeguarding Public Health through Effective Regulation of Medical Devices’ was the focus of the panel discussion that followed. The Moderator of the session was Amritha Tripathi, Author and Former Health Editor – CNN-IBN and also Former Director, Global Health Strategies. The panellists were K L Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health; Dr Ashok Seth, Chairman, Fortis-Escorts Heart Institute; Sunil Khurana, President & CEO, BPL Medical Devices; and Upayan Sen Gupta, VP & GM, UL Life & Health. Peeyush Gupta, Director- Sales & Marketing, UL South Asia, rendered the customary Vote of Thanks. The proceedings were recorded for telecast on the channel.
You don’t need to know the whole alphabet of Safety. The A, B, C of it will save you if you follow it: Always Be Careful. They say, don’t they that safety is the most effective insurance policy. “India Demands Safety Standards” is a movement that is long overdue. On behalf of CNN-IBN and UL, I thanked the guests and everyone proceeded for dinner, safer and sounder.
Gitikka Ganju Dhar is a Live Host, TV Anchor & Event Content Writer based in Mumbai.
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