"Health and Social Business: Pioneering Sustainable Futures" Hosted by Yunus Centre AIT (YCA) – Social Business Day 2- Breakout Session
The session on "Health and Social Business: Innovations for a Sustainable Future" was a compelling exploration of how social business can drive positive change in the health sector by Yunus Center AIT (YCA). This event was a highlight of the breakout sessions at the 14th Social Business Day held in Manila, Philippines, on June 27–28, 2024. The conference focused on the overarching theme "Social Business: An Exit Route from the Current Self-Destructive Civilisation."
The purpose of this session is to examine new methods within social business models aimed at addressing health challenges. Through the integration of social and environmental responsibility, our goal is to showcase how these models can foster sustainable, positive impacts on society, steering us towards a healthier and more equitable future. The session brought together experts, moderators, and panelists who shared their insights and experiences on various aspects of health and social business.
The discussions shed light on the role of social entrepreneurship in health innovation, the challenges and strategies in managing healthcare services within a social business model, maintaining sustainability in non-profit healthcare models, and the transformation of healthcare delivery through digital health solutions.
The session was skillfully moderated by two distinguished staffs from Yunus Center AIT - Genki Campus.
Dr. Tanawan Samleerat Carraway guided the discussions, ensuring that the session remained focused and informative.
Ms. Saw Theint Theint Htet brought valuable insights and perspectives to the table, enriching the overall discourse.
The panelists, each an expert in their respective fields, shared their valuable insights and experiences during the session:
Co-founder and Director, the CUHK Center for Entrepreneurship
Prof. Au highlighted the pivotal role of social entrepreneurship in driving health innovation. He emphasized the importance of government and institutional support in fostering these innovations, underscoring the need for collaboration between various stakeholders.
Managing Director, Grameen Healthcare Services
Mr. Ahmed discussed the challenges and strategies involved in managing healthcare services within a social business model. His insights shed light on the complexities of balancing financial sustainability with the mission of providing accessible and affordable healthcare to all.
Chief Executive Officer, Jeevan Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha
Mr. Mandal shared his experiences and insights on maintaining sustainability in non-profit healthcare models. He discussed effective scaling strategies for these models, emphasizing the need for long-term planning and strategic partnerships.
Chief Executive Officer, Grameen Digital Health
Dr. Siddiqui delved into the transformation of healthcare delivery through digital health in Bangladesh and beyond. He addressed the scaling challenges of digital health solutions, highlighting the importance of adapting these technologies to local contexts and ensuring equitable access for all.
Key Takeaways
The session yielded several key takeaways that are crucial for understanding the potential of social business in the health sector:
Integration of Social and Environmental Responsibility: Social business models have the potential to significantly address health challenges by integrating social and environmental responsibility. By considering the broader impact of their operations, these models can contribute to sustainable and equitable healthcare systems.
Collaboration: Collaboration between governments, institutions, and social businesses is crucial for driving innovation in the health sector. By leveraging the strengths and resources of each stakeholder, collaborative efforts can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions.
Digital Health Solutions: Digital health solutions are transforming healthcare delivery, offering new possibilities for improving access, efficiency, and quality of care. However, scaling these solutions presents unique challenges that need to be addressed, such as ensuring affordability, privacy, and digital literacy.
Role of Microfinance: Microfinance plays a vital role in supporting healthcare social businesses. By providing necessary funding and support, microfinance enables these businesses to scale and sustain their impact. The experiences shared during the session highlighted the opportunities microfinance creates for expanding healthcare services to underserved communities.
The session concluded with a dynamic audience Q&A, where participants had the opportunity to engage with the panelists and moderators. The questions raised during this interactive session further emphasized the importance of collective efforts in creating a healthier and more sustainable future.