Pune: Bio-Happiness Can Shape Sustainable Development and Public Health Future, Says Dr Soumya Swaminathan

Pune, 23rd May 2026: KEM Hospital Research Centre (KEM Hospital RC) and KEM Hospital Pune successfully hosted the prestigious 9th Banoo Coyaji Oration at Pocha Hall, Boat Club, Pune, on Friday evening.

The oration was delivered by renowned public health expert Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, FRS, Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, former Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO), and former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Among those present on the occasion were Dr. Kurus J. Coyaji, President of the KEM Hospital Society; Dr. Xerxes Coyaji, Medical Director, KEM Pune; Dr. Laila Garda, Director, KEM Hospital Research Centre; Shirin Wadia, CEO, KEM Pune; and Dr. Rakesh Shah, COO, KEM Pune.

Speaking on the topic “Community, Climate and Care – Reviving People-Centred Public Health Systems,” Dr. Swaminathan said that India, like many other nations, is becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change, with extreme weather events occurring almost daily across different regions.

She said rising temperatures, water scarcity, reduced food production, and environmental degradation are significantly affecting public health. Climate change is impacting health outcomes while disproportionately affecting women, children, and vulnerable communities.

Dr. Swaminathan noted that air pollution remains one of the biggest threats to life expectancy, with nearly 70 percent of Indians living in areas where air quality exceeds safe standards. She added that heat-related illnesses and mortality are also rising, alongside the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, injuries, and ageing-related health concerns.

To address these challenges, she stressed that health systems must become climate-sensitive, locally responsive, and continuously evolving. She also highlighted the need for resilient and sustainable urban infrastructure that supports both people and the environment.

Dr. Swaminathan said greater focus is required on quality healthcare, geriatric care, and reducing health inequities caused by unhealthy diets, tobacco consumption, alcohol use, and other lifestyle-related factors. She added that communities and healthcare workers must remain at the centre of public health action.
Invoking the concept of “bio-happiness,” as envisioned by her father, renowned agricultural scientist Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan proposed it as a measurable sustainable development framework. She described it as a holistic approach where human well-being is deeply connected to biodiversity conservation and includes natural, physical, financial, human, and social capital.

According to her, the concept could help create harmony between people and nature while ensuring sustainable health, nutrition, livelihoods, and development for present and future generations.

The lecture also focused on the importance of integrating climate-sensitive healthcare policies, improving primary healthcare delivery, and empowering local communities to build sustainable health systems for the future.

Dr. Laila Garda said that the Banoo Coyaji Oration, instituted in memory of Dr. Banoo Coyaji’s pioneering contribution to community and rural healthcare in India, continues to serve as an important platform for dialogue on critical public health issues.