Paromita Das
In the ever-evolving landscape of public health, Dr. Smita Joshi emerges as a true trailblazer and a Champion of Healthcare Advocacy. Honored with the prestigious Sawasthy Icon Award 2025, Dr. Joshi has dedicated her life to transforming healthcare access and empowering communities. As the Trustee of Dr. Vasudev J. Raval Charitable Trust, Gujarat, and the Director of Smit Medical & Heart Hospital, she has consistently broken barriers, championing innovative solutions and advocating for equity in healthcare delivery.
No doubt, Appreciation is like fuel #Type1diabetes #Advocacy @irushikeshpatel @AskDrShashank @banshisaboo pic.twitter.com/HUSFO01tvb
— Dr.Smita Joshi (@DrSmitaJoshi2) January 11, 2025
Her extraordinary achievements, particularly in diabetes advocacy, have not only revolutionized care in Bharat but have also resonated globally, earning her recognition as a beacon of hope and change. This tribute highlights her inspiring journey, her groundbreaking healthcare reforms, and her unwavering commitment to building a healthier, more equitable world.
A Visionary Leader and Healthcare Advocate
Dr. Smita Joshi has been a cornerstone of public health reform in Bharat. She is an active and integral member of national committees, including:
- Technical Expert Group (TEG) for Health Promotion, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Bharat.
- TEG for Diabetes Mellitus, focusing on innovative treatment and management strategies.
- TEG for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) in Children, working to combat the rising prevalence of childhood diseases.
- A leadership role in the DIABETESINDIA Interest Group (DIG), driving education, advocacy, and awareness campaigns for diabetes.
Through these roles, Dr. Joshi has been instrumental in shaping policy frameworks and fostering solutions that address some of the most critical public health challenges of our time.
Breaking Barriers: The Triumph of Free Insulin Advocacy
Dr. Smita Joshi’s crowning achievement has been her success in breaking barriers to insulin access for Type 1 Diabetes patients in Bharat. Recognizing the life-threatening consequences of limited access to insulin, she championed a cause that has since transformed the landscape of diabetes care.
The Challenge and Solution:
The cost of insulin remains a major barrier for underprivileged families, making it difficult for children with Type 1 Diabetes to manage their condition effectively.
Through years of tireless advocacy, Dr. Joshi and her team secured government funding and policy reforms to ensure:
- Free insulin delivery in Gujarat for all children in need.
- Collaboration between healthcare professionals and policymakers to develop sustainable programs for equitable access.
- Improved health outcomes for children, reducing healthcare disparities across the state.
Her work not only set a precedent in Gujarat but also inspired nationwide efforts to ensure insulin accessibility for all.
Dr. Smita Joshi’s Advocacy Journey: 2018–Present
Dr. Joshi’s advocacy campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her journey has taken her across continents, presenting resolutions, conducting awareness campaigns, and advocating for change at the highest levels.
Milestone Advocacy Campaigns
- 2018 GIMACON Campaign:
A self-driven car journey from Gujarat to the Indian Medical Association headquarters in New Delhi to present a resolution advocating for improved diabetes care. - 2019 DIABETESINDIA Campaign:
Covering 3,500 km from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, this campaign amplified awareness about diabetes and brought national attention to the need for accessible insulin. - 2019 American Diabetes Association Campaign:
Joshi took her advocacy to the global stage, driving across the United States from San Francisco to Atlanta to present a resolution to the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI). - 2021 DIABETES VIJAY RATH Campaign:
A historic journey from Gandhi Ashram, Ahmedabad, to Raj Ghat, New Delhi, where a resolution was handed over to India’s Union Health Minister, highlighting the urgent need for policy reform. - 2023 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Advocacy:
Representing Bharat, Dr. Joshi participated in the UNGA in New York, championing the cause of equitable healthcare and advocating for global policy changes to support children with Type 1 Diabetes. - Global Advocacy (2023):
Invited as a keynote speaker at the AAPI Convention in Philadelphia and other events across the U.S., she brought together global stakeholders to discuss the betterment of Type 1 Diabetes care.
Key Achievements in Diabetes Advocacy
Dr. Joshi’s advocacy efforts have culminated in several groundbreaking achievements:
- Government Funding:
In Gujarat, the state government allocated ₹8 million annually (from 2023) to provide free insulin to children with Type 1 Diabetes. With additional support from the National Health Mission (NHM), this initiative secured a total of ₹277.6 million for diabetes care. - Free Insulin at Primary Health Centers:
For the first time in Gujarat, rural and underprivileged areas received free insulin supplies at the grassroots level. - Improved Examination Policies:
Advocacy to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) resulted in accommodations for Type 1 Diabetes children during school exams. - National Draft Proposal:
A comprehensive Type 1 Diabetes Management Program was submitted to the Ministry of Health and NITI Aayog, outlining a sustainable, nationwide framework for diabetes care.
Dr. Smita Joshi: A Champion of Change
Dr. Joshi’s dedication has transcended borders, as evidenced by her persistent advocacy at global platforms, including the United Nations and international conventions. Her efforts have united healthcare professionals, policymakers, and organizations under a shared vision of equitable healthcare access.
Dr. Smita Joshi has proven herself as a one-woman army, breaking barriers and transforming lives. Her remarkable achievements stand as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose. From grassroots campaigns in Gujarat to global advocacy on the world stage, her journey is an inspiration to all.
The Global Governance News team extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Joshi for her extraordinary contributions to healthcare. We wish her and her team continued success in their mission to build a healthier, more equitable future.
The post Dr. Smita Joshi: Sawasthy Icon Award 2025 Winner, Pioneering a New Era of Diabetes Care in Bharat appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
