Pallav BHATT
Jamnagar,Gujarat
Summary
Senior Health Economist with 15+ years of experience in health financing, economic analysis, and health systems reform, supporting governments across Asia and Africa. Extensive expertise in public financial management, National Health Accounts (NHA), costing, and fiscal sustainability of health systems.
Proven track record in advising Ministries of Health and Finance on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), health insurance design, and resource allocation, with strong experience in data-driven policy dialogue, economic modeling, and multi-sectoral reforms. Demonstrated ability to translate analytics into policy, investment strategies, and system-level impact, aligned with World Bank operational and analytical frameworks.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Officer – Health Systems (P4)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Dhaka, Bangladesh
06.2021 - Current
- Facilitated advancement of universal health coverage through integrated service delivery, strengthening primary health care, and implementing health financing reforms.
- Collaborated with ministry of health and family welfare, ministry of finance, and development partners to support health initiatives. Assisted academia and research institutions in project implementation and knowledge sharing. Facilitated communication among stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness.
- Led WHO’s technical contribution to the Health Sector Reforms Commission, shaping national reform priorities; key recommendations were incorporated into the Government’s final report.
- Collaborated with government officials in high-level working groups to shape and advance the 4th health sector reform plan.
- Analyzed and facilitated policy dialogues through theory of change approaches, focusing on identifying critical system bottlenecks and potential reform strategies.
- Contributed to the assessment and fortification of national healthcare financing strategy (2012–2032) and social protection initiatives.
- Provided technical inputs on health financing, resource allocation, and efficiency improvement.
- Supported development of analytical frameworks for SDG and UHC monitoring, including fiscal and programmatic tracking.
- Crafted comprehensive concept notes and investment proposals to effectively mobilize resources, targeting a pipeline of around USD 2 million.
- Developed Essential Health Services (EHS) monitoring dashboard for COVID-19 response and recovery.
- Led national efforts on health-related SDG monitoring and UHC tracking, including: Development and publication of SDG Health Profiles, Mid-term evaluation of SDG progress, SDG localization framework with sub-national target setting and planning.
- Strengthened data-driven decision-making through dashboards and analytical tools for policymakers.
- Led implementation of the Essential Service Package (ESP) and National Health Service Standards.
- Developed and institutionalized monitoring frameworks and quality assurance systems for service delivery.
- Conducted health facility assessments and redesigned methodology using Continuous Quality Improvement approaches (recognized with national-level award).
- Undertook rapid assessments (e.g., Infectious Disease Hospital, Dhaka) to develop model service delivery frameworks.
- Conceptualized and led development of a Geo-enabled Integrated Health Service Planning and Monitoring Platform (ArcGIS-based).
- Enabled real-time tracking of service delivery across public and private sectors.
- Strengthened integration of routine health information systems into planning and monitoring.
- Strengthened Community Clinic model through: Development of monitoring frameworks and performance indicators, Design of interactive dashboards for real-time performance tracking.
- Led capacity building initiatives for >14,000 Community Health Care Providers (CHCPs) through: Development of training manuals and eLearning platforms, Introduction of GIS-enabled skill monitoring dashboards to identify capacity gaps.
- Managed programme planning, budgeting, and reporting through Biennial Work Plans (BWP).
- Coordinated multi-stakeholder partnerships across government, donors, and UN agencies.
- Led high-level advocacy initiatives on UHC and SDGs, including events engaging senior government leadership and global stakeholders.
- Served as Acting Communications Lead and focal point for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) initiatives.
- Influenced national health sector reform agenda with WHO recommendations adopted at policy level.
- Established integrated monitoring systems improving planning, accountability, and service delivery performance.
- Strengthened PHC systems and frontline workforce capacity at scale.
- Advanced data-driven policy and decentralized planning through SDG localization.
- Successfully mobilized external funding and enhanced WHO’s strategic positioning in Bangladesh.
- Supervision: 2–5 staff.
- Budget responsibility: ~USD 250,000 (Bi-Annual).
- Stakeholder engagement: Government, development partners, donors, academia.
Health Economist (P3)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Pretoria, South Africa
05.2018 - 05.2021
- Delivered comprehensive technical support on health financing economic analysis and health system reform, emphasizing the advancement of universal health coverage (UHC) via National Health Insurance (NHI).
- Oversaw comprehensive institutionalization of National Health Accounts (NHA), including backlog resolution and annual estimates, with plans for future year expansions.
- Established comprehensive analytical frameworks and methodologies to facilitate accurate tracking of health expenditures across various public sector medical schemes and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Developed and implemented SAS-based automated data processing systems to optimize timeliness and resource management in NHA production.
- Facilitated collaboration among stakeholders to enhance national data submissions for the Global Health Expenditure Database (GHED).
- Assisted in providing technical inputs for national health insurance design and implementation. Supported costing of health services and benefit package design review. Contributed to the NHI bill and medical schemes amendment bill with inputs reflected in cabinet-approved drafts.
- Engaged in collaborative discussions within technical working groups and health partners forum to strengthen partnerships and policy alignment.
- Directed costing analysis of healthcare services and strategic initiatives across sectors including NCDs, RMNCAH, and HIV/TB.
- Engineered and optimized costing methodologies and analytical tools for comprehensive hospital and program-level expenditure analysis.
- Contributed to investment case development and resource prioritization for national health programs.
- Developed framework for a national health expenditure tracking dashboard to improve transparency and evidence-based decision-making at national and sub-national levels.
- Enhanced capacity of national and provincial stakeholders in health financing analysis and tool utilization.
- Promoted the use of NHA evidence in policy and budgeting processes, strengthening fiscal transparency.
- Supported development of policy briefs, analytical reports, and strategic documents for UHC and health system reform.
- Provided technical assistance to other countries in the region (e.g., Zambia health financing strategy).
- Assisted in organizing presidential health summit in 2018. Supported development of presidential health compact. Collaborated with teams to enhance health initiatives.
- Supported implementation and scale-up of Go.Data outbreak management system, initially in Free State Province and later expanded to multiple provinces.
- Strengthened data systems and capacity for outbreak analytics and response, contributing to improved management during COVID-19 resurgence.
- Successfully institutionalized National Health Accounts, enabling sustainable and timely health expenditure tracking.
- Enhanced evidence-based policymaking by integrating national health accounts into national planning and budgeting processes.
- Contributed to design and costing of National Health Insurance, a cornerstone reform for UHC in South Africa.
- Developed innovative data systems and dashboards improving transparency and decision-making.
- Collaborated in the deployment of COVID-19 data systems, ensuring alignment with national outbreak response strategies.
Founder & Director – Centre for Health Policy (Part-time)
Health Systems for All (HS4A)
New Delhi, India
08.2013 - 04.2018
- Founded and led a policy research and advocacy organization focused on strengthening health systems and health financing policy through evidence generation, economic analysis, and capacity building in India and other low- and middle-income countries.
- Led production of systematic reviews and policy-relevant evidence on health economics, health systems, and public health interventions.
- Generated evidence to inform policy decisions on resource allocation, program effectiveness, and health system performance.
- Contributed as a technical expert to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), University of Adelaide, in developing guidelines for systematic review of economic evidence.
- Established and managed institutional collaboration with Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), supporting evidence synthesis standards and methodologies.
- Promoted the use of structured evidence synthesis tools (JBI methodology) to strengthen research quality and policy uptake.
- Published and disseminated policy-relevant research outputs to inform decision-makers and stakeholders.
- Designed and delivered capacity-building programs in health economics and evidence synthesis for medical and public health professionals.
- Trained multidisciplinary teams (including clinicians) on systematic review methodologies and economic evaluation tools.
- Strengthened institutional capacity for evidence-informed policymaking.
- Led organizational strategy, administration, compliance, and business development initiatives.
- Managed stakeholder engagement with academia, research institutions, and policy actors.
- Supervised research staff and coordinated multi-partner collaborations.
- Established a recognized policy research platform for health systems and economic evidence in India.
- Contributed to global methodological guidance on systematic reviews of economic evidence (JBI).
- Strengthened capacity for evidence synthesis and health economics research among public health professionals.
- Advanced the use of evidence-based policymaking frameworks in health sector decision-making.
Senior Research Associate – Health Economics & Policy
Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI)
New Delhi, India
01.2012 - 03.2018
- Contributed to large-scale analytical and advisory work on health financing, economic evaluation, and health systems strengthening, supporting Government of India and state governments in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through Public Health Foundation of India.
- Designed and led policy-relevant research on health financing, costing, and economic evaluation, including: design and costing of Essential Health Package (EHP) for Indian states, Care pathways – Development and Costing of non-communicable diseases (CVD, diabetes) using care pathway and decision-tree approaches, Resource gap and fiscal space analysis for UHC implementation, Equity and efficiency analysis in public health financing (NRHM).
- Contributed to National Health Accounts (NHA) and State Health Accounts, including estimation of private health expenditure, Local Government and NGO Health Expenditure.
- Developed health financing data repositories and analytical systems integrating budget, survey, and expenditure data.
- Provided technical assistance to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, and state governments on: National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2017–2022), Design and costing of UHC benefit packages (EHP).
- Contributed to national committees and working groups, including: Expenditure Management Commission (health financing), National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) working group.
- Supported health system assessments and policy design, including occupational health systems (e.g., Alang industrial zone).
- Led development and application of costing methodologies and tools (including OneHealth Tool and TreeAge) for: Program planning and budgeting, Cost-effectiveness analysis and priority setting.
- Developed interactive tools and dashboards for financial planning and resource allocation.
- Designed and delivered national and international training programs in: Health economics and financing, Costing and economic evaluation, National Health Accounts, Health planning using OneHealth Tool.
- Trained government officials from India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
- Served as faculty/visiting lecturer at leading institutions (IIPH, GIM, AIMS).
- Managed a multi-disciplinary team and large-scale projects (~USD 7.4M).
- Coordinated partnerships with WHO, USAID, Norwegian Embassy, Save the Children, and other stakeholders.
- Led project planning, budgeting, procurement, and monitoring, including donor-funded programs.
- Produced policy briefs, technical reports, and peer-reviewed publications to inform decision-making.
- Organized national conferences and high-level policy dialogues on UHC and health systems.
- Contributed to early development of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in India.
- Designed and costed Essential Health Benefit Packages informing UHC policy at national and state levels.
- Strengthened health financing analytics and NHA systems in India.
- Influenced national policy through contributions to strategic plans, financing guidelines, and commissions.
- Built sustainable capacity in health economics and planning across multiple countries.
- Managed large, multi-partner programs delivering high-impact policy and analytical outputs.
- Led research design and methodology for public health initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Mentored junior researchers, fostering skill development and enhancing team capabilities in project execution.
- Analyzed data sets to identify trends and inform evidence-based policy recommendations for health programs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions addressing public health challenges.
- Managed project timelines and deliverables, ensuring efficient resource allocation and adherence to quality standards.
- Presented findings at national conferences, promoting knowledge exchange and driving awareness of public health issues.
- Developed comprehensive reports synthesizing research outcomes for stakeholders and decision-makers in health sectors.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through rigorous assessments, contributing to continuous improvement strategies within the organization.
- Evaluated emerging technologies for potential integration into ongoing research efforts.
- Delivered comprehensive training sessions on laboratory techniques and equipment usage, enhancing team members'' skill sets.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and high-quality deliverables.
- Communicated project status to [Type] management verbally and through technical documentation and presentations.
- Conducted independent research to validate efficacy of solutions, assimilate results and prepare written technical reports.
Commercial Tax Officer
Government of Gujarat
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
12.2010 - 11.2011
- As a Commercial Tax Officer in Government of Gujarat, responsible for assessing commercial tax collected from Ahmedabad Division 3.
- The position is part of Gujarat Administrative Services as gazetted officer.
- The main purpose of the position to effectively implement Gujarat Government's taxation policies and generate adequate revenue for public expenditure in the state of Gujarat.
- The role of CTO not only limit to tax collection and registration of establishment, it also involve providing technical inputs in policy planning for upcoming GST in India.
- The position also helped me in having better understanding of sin-tax such as Tobacco Taxation and Alcohol taxes: their contribution in state's economy and impact on public health.
Intern – Health System Financing
World Health Organization (WHO)
Geneva, Switzerland
06.2011 - 09.2011
- Supported the Health Financing team in conducting analytical work on health systems financing and Universal Health Coverage (UHC), contributing to early-stage research and policy analysis.
- Conducted in-depth analysis of innovative health financing mechanisms in low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on India.
- Assessed health financing structures, expenditure trends, and resource allocation patterns at national and sub-national levels.
- Reviewed global evidence on UHC measurement frameworks, health policy evolution, and financing strategies.
- Developed a detailed case study on publicly financed health insurance programs in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
- Analyzed program design, financing mechanisms, and implications for scaling UHC reforms.
- Supported preparation of technical briefs, reports, and analytical outputs for policy use.
- Conducted literature reviews on health economics, financing, and policy planning.
- Gained practical exposure to National Health Accounts (NHA), OneHealth Tool, and WHO analytical frameworks.
- Authored report: “India Approaching Towards Universal Health Coverage: A Case Study of Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh”, providing early evidence on publicly financed insurance models and their role in advancing UHC.
Assistant Director – Medical Education
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
11.2006 - 12.2010
- Led large-scale public health infrastructure development, hospital administration, and health system financing initiatives within one of India’s largest urban local governments.
- Managed complex operations across hospitals and medical education institutions, contributing to service delivery improvement, efficiency gains, and system expansion.
- Served as Chief Administrator of a 500-bed multi-specialty public hospital, overseeing: Service delivery, quality improvement, and patient safety initiatives, Human resource management (500+ staff including clinical and non-clinical personnel), Operational efficiency, procurement, and hospital planning.
- Led initiatives to improve efficiency and cost containment while enhancing quality of care.
- Directed planning and implementation of major health infrastructure projects, including: Establishment of a Medical College (150 annual intake) and Dental College (100 annual intake), Design and planning of a 700-bed tertiary care hospital aligned with regulatory standards.
- Delivered large-scale projects (~USD 15M) within accelerated timelines.
- Advised municipal leadership on innovative health financing mechanisms to sustain hospital operations amid declining traditional revenue sources (e.g., octroi reforms).
- Strengthened public financial management practices, including budgeting, procurement, and expenditure control.
- Ensured compliance with Medical Council of India regulations and governance standards.
- Managed procurement of medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostic services for municipal hospitals.
- Led recruitment and institutional development for teaching and non-teaching positions in medical and dental colleges.
- Strengthened administrative and operational systems to support scaling of public health services.
- Successfully established Medical and Dental Colleges within compressed timelines, expanding health workforce capacity.
- Introduced innovative financing approaches to sustain public hospital systems.
- Improved hospital efficiency, patient safety, and service delivery quality.
- Led planning and design of a 700-bed tertiary hospital, strengthening urban health infrastructure.
Founder & CEO
Con Cura Management Solutions
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
09.2005 - 11.2006
- Founder of the management consultancy providing comprehensive business solutions for corporate, government and NGOs to improve efficiency.
- Core area of operation is human resource services, management consulting, hospital planning, capacity assessment.
- Responsible for networking and business development.
- Providing technical lead to the support staff in execution of key deliverables.
- As founder of the organization responsible for growth, designing the core values and ethical environment in the organization for organic and sustainable growth of the organization.
- Business development and resource mobilization for the business was key responsibility.
- Managing staff under my direct supervision for timely delivery of assignments in the field of management consultancy, recruitment services, business process outsourcing etc.
Education
Gujarat Secondary Education Board
India07-1996
MBA - Business administration, Management
Saurashtra University
India10-2001
BBA - Business administration, Management, Quantitative Techniques
Saurashtra University
India05-1999
High School Diploma -
Gujarat Secondary Education Board
India07-1996
Skills
- Work coordination
- Report writing
- Strategic planning
- Innovation and creativity
Languages
English
Hindi
Gujarati
Sanskrit
Arabic
French
Italian
Bangla
Computer Skills
- Database, Oracle, Basic, MS SQL, Intermediate, MS Access, Intermediate, GIS, Intermediate, Open MRS, Basic
- ERP, WHO GSM, Expert, WHO BMS, Intermediate
- Presentation, MS PowerPoint, Expert, Focusky, Expert, Canva, Expert
- Statistical Software, STATA, Intermediate, SPSS, Intermediate
- Spreadsheet, MS Excel, Expert, MS Word, Expert
- Artificial Intelligence (AI), ChatGPT/ Gemini/ Copilot, Expert, Canva / SlideSpeak, Expert, Bolt, Expert
Personal Information
Nationality: India
Publications
Universal Access to Medicine: Evidence from Rajasthan, India, S. Sakthivel, I. Mukhopadhyay, P. Bhatt et. al., WHO SE Asia J of Public Health, 2014, 3, 3-4, 289-298, Assuring Health Coverage for All in India, V. Patel, R. Parikh et. al., Lancet, 2015, 386, 2422-35, Effect Of The National Rural Health Mission On Institutional Deliveries And Related Out-Ofpocket Spending By The Poor, P. Bhatt, D. S. Sandhu, BMJ Global Health, 2016, 1, Suppl 1, A5-A6, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2016-EPHPabstracts.6, Health-related SDG Profile for Bangladesh, 2021, 2023, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Bangladesh, Framework for SDG Localization and Local Level Monitoring for SDG-3 Health and Well-being, 2025, Government of Bangladesh, National Healthy Ageing Strategy for Bangladesh (2026-2030), 2024, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of Bangladesh, Draft National Health Service Standards for Bangladesh, 2024, Government of Bangladesh, Refresher’s training manual for Community Health Care Professionals (CHCP), 2022, Government of Bangladesh, eLearning platform and digital training material for CHCP, 2022, Government of Bangladesh, National Health Accounts for South Africa – 2014/15, 2015/16 & 2016/17, 2021, National Department of Health, Government of South Africa, Action Plan for National Health Financing Strategy 2017 – 2027 for Zambia, 2019, Government of Zambia, Costing of National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination in India (2017-22), 2017, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Costing of National multisectoral action plan for prevention and control of common NCD (2017-22), 2017, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Report and Recommendations of the Technical Resource Group for the National Urban Health Mission, 2014, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Universal Access to Medicine in Indian States – A Baseline Study, Sakthivel Selvaraj, Habib Hasan, Maulik Chokshi, Pallav Bhatt, Indranil Mukhopadhyay, Preeti Kumar, Ravi Kumar, Pritam Dutta, Swati Shrivastava, Aashna Mehta, Public Health Foundation of India, 2014, Designing and Costing of an Adaptable and Flexible Essential Health Package (EHP) for Indian States, Pallav Bhatt, Varada Madge, Nachiket Mor, Vinod Paul, Navneet Jain, Subhash Hira, Priya Balasubramaniam, Public Health Foundation of India, 2014, India Approaching Towards Universal Health Coverage: A case study of Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh, Pallav Bhatt, Durairaj Varadrajan, Health System for All, 2012, Capacity Assessment and Provision of Medical Facilities With Respect to Occupational Health in Ship-Recycling in Wider Alang, India, Pallav Bhatt, Shyam Pingle, Utpal Bhavsar, A.P. Moller Maersk, 2017, Inequity in Immunization in India, Public Health Foundation of India, 2012, Review and revision of monitoring framework for Community Clinics, WHO Bangladesh, 2024
Timeline
Technical Officer – Health Systems (P4)
World Health Organization (WHO)
06.2021 - Current
Health Economist (P3)
World Health Organization (WHO)
05.2018 - 05.2021
Founder & Director – Centre for Health Policy (Part-time)
Health Systems for All (HS4A)
08.2013 - 04.2018
Senior Research Associate – Health Economics & Policy
Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI)
01.2012 - 03.2018
Intern – Health System Financing
World Health Organization (WHO)
06.2011 - 09.2011
Commercial Tax Officer
Government of Gujarat
12.2010 - 11.2011
Assistant Director – Medical Education
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)
11.2006 - 12.2010
Founder & CEO
Con Cura Management Solutions
09.2005 - 11.2006
Gujarat Secondary Education Board
MBA - Business administration, Management
Saurashtra University
BBA - Business administration, Management, Quantitative Techniques
Saurashtra University
High School Diploma -
Gujarat Secondary Education Board