Himanshu Sikka, chief strategy and diversification officer, health, nutrition and wash, IPE Global said that So far there does not seem to be a spike in pneumonia or respiratory illness-related cases/deaths in rural areas. However, with the mass exodus of migrant labourers, the likelihood of increased number of cases emerging in rural India has also increased. If this happens, this would hit the weakest link in India’s healthcare systems and lead to higher mortality rates. The doctor per patient ratio, and availability of ventilators is rural areas is really low and would put additional pressure on the government’s limited resources.
M.K. Padma Kumar is involved in developing strategies and managing operations for the IPE Global Group.
He has over 25 years of experience in the development sector, working in civil society organisations and international development agencies like DANIDA and DFID. As the Head of State Partnerships at the DFID India, he was responsible for developing partnerships, programme design, management and strategic oversight of all programmes implemented in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. He has managed various development programmes. His expertise lies in driving operational, financial and programmatic transformations. Before DFID, he was associated with Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), Help Age and World Wildlife Fund.
He holds a Master’s degree in Business Management with specialisation in Human Resource Management and Finance. He is extensively trained in Project Cycle Management, Grant Management, Performance Management, Leadership Skills and Change Management.
