Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged G 20 countries to open their health innovation for the public good and facilitate equitable availability of the technology to achieve the goal of universal health coverage.
Mr Modi was addressing the G20 Health Ministers' Meeting, which formally began on 18th August 2023, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, as part of India’s G 20 presidency. He said, the Covid-19 pandemic has reminded us that health should be at the center of our decisions and it has shown us the value of cooperation. Mr Modi said, Under the Vaccine Maitri initiative, India delivered 300 million vaccine doses to more than 100 countries, including many in the Global South.
The Prime Minister said we must be ready to prevent, prepare and respond to the next health emergency, stressing that this is especially important in today's interconnected world. Mr Modi said, under its holistic and inclusive healthcare approach, India is expanding its health infrastructure, promoting traditional medicines and providing affordable healthcare to all. The Prime Minister said, the establishment of WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat is an important step in this direction.
And, the holding of WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine along with G20 Health Ministers meeting will intensify efforts to harness its potential. The Prime Minister also expressed happiness that G20 Health Working Group has prioritized''One Health''. He said, the vision of ''One Earth, One Health'' envisages good health for the entire ecosystem. Calling public participation a key factor in the success of the public health campaign,the Prime Minister showcased India’s journey of TB eradication.
Mr Modi also underlined the importance of digital solutions and innovation as a useful means in efforts to be equitable and inclusive. He said, The Global Initiative on Digital Health will bring together various digital health initiatives on a common platform. It will take us one step closer to our goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage, the Prime minister added.
Earlier, addressing the meeting, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasised India’s approach of One Health and said that India prioritised Health Emergencies Prevention, Preparedness and response in line with this approach of equitable access to health care. He underscored the importance of digital health interventions post-pandemic and congratulated G20 countries for supporting India in finalising the Global Initiative on Digital Health.
Speaking at the inaugural session, WHO Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended India for its steps taken in advancing Universal Health Coverage and the Ayshman Bharat scheme which is the World’s largest Health Assurance initiative. Mr Tedros also cited the teleedicine initiative of India as an excellent example of transforming health care.
