How you can make a difference !

What's happening ?
The healthcare crisis in India:









Despite rapid economic growth and progressive interventions by government agencies, widening socio-economic divides present an alarming health crisis for the majority of India’s people. In the shadow of India’s urban upper classes (who have access to health conditions that rival the best of any developed country), the vast majority of India is subject to a grossly inadequate public health system. Consequently, India’s masses unnecessarily suffer from easily treatable and avoidable illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, jaundice, asthma, tuberculosis, and diarrhea. Here are some statistics to illustrate:

• Most villagers in rural India have not seen a doctor in 10 years
• 41% of practicing “doctors” do not have any kind of medical degree
• On routine doctor visits, less than 3% of patients are sufficiently tested
• 68% of patients receive unnecessary injections, most often containing vitamins, or saline.
• Every year, 100 million people suffer from treatable gastrointestinal conditions such as diarrhea, amoebosis, typhoid, infectious hepatitis, cholera, etc. More than 80% of these illnesses are water-borne.
• Malnutrition affects 85% of Indian children and kills more than 150,000 every year.
• Some studies suggest that 70% of families spend more than 50% of their annual income on health; 93% of this amount is spent on treatment of avoidable ailments and emergency care

How you can make a difference with your ideas : The Piramal Prize







A $25,000 Social entrepreneurship challenge that encourages and enables business ideas that democratize healthcare.

The competition asks for bold and creative innovations, will help you develop a business plan, and invests in viable new ideas.

• Mentors for all teams that express interest in mentor assistance and the support of an online community to fully develop their ideas.

• Finalists will have a chance to work closely with a mentor, network with potential investors, and make a final presentation to the Piramal Prize Selection Committee.

• Finalists will have access to IIM-A faculty, experts in healthcare, and will be encouraged to network with existing entrepreneurs and potential investors.
  

The Process: The 2008 Piramal Prize evaluation process involves three stages, culminating in a finalist workshop and selection weekend in May 2008.

Entry Deadline: April 1, 2008

Make a difference NOW at http://www.piramalprize.org/