August 19, 2023
Introduction
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), praised India’s strides in advancing health coverage and healthcare schemes during his address at the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the ongoing summit, Dr. Tedros lauded India’s commitment to the health sector and its visionary leadership in hosting the G20 Summit.
Expressing his admiration, Dr. Tedros said, “I commend India for their steps in advancing Universal Health Coverage and the Ayushman Bharat scheme which is the world’s largest health assurance initiative.” He applauded India’s efforts to provide accessible healthcare services to its citizens, especially through the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
During his visit to a Health and Wellness Centre in Gandhinagar, Dr. Tedros expressed his admiration for the primary healthcare services being provided to households. “I visited a Health and Wellness Centre here in Gandhinagar and was impressed by the primary healthcare services being provided to 1000 households by the HWC,” he stated.
He also acknowledged India’s advancements in telemedicine, highlighting its potential to transform healthcare delivery. “I commend the telemedicine services being provided here, which provide prescriptions and treatment locally. It is an excellent example of transforming healthcare,” he added.
Furthermore, Dr. Tedros extended his gratitude towards India’s G20 Presidency for taking the lead in launching the Global Digital Health Initiative, scheduled for the following day. This initiative aims to leverage digital technologies to improve healthcare service delivery and achieve universal health coverage.
Health Mister Shared The Spirit
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya shared his enthusiasm for the international participation in the G20 Health Ministers’ meeting, which saw more than 70 delegates from various countries attending alongside side events. Mandaviya highlighted India’s holistic approach to healthcare and the positive reception it garnered from global participants.
The G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting, organized under India’s G20 Presidency, revolved around three key priorities: preventing, preparing for, and responding to health emergencies with a focus on anti-microbial resistance and the One Health framework; strengthening cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, with an emphasis on access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable medical countermeasures; and promoting digital health innovations to enhance universal health coverage and healthcare service delivery.
Conclusion
India, which assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2022, and is part of the G20 Troika along with Indonesia and Brazil, showcased its commitment to advancing healthcare on the global stage. The G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting in Gandhinagar culminated on August 19, marking a significant step forward in international collaboration to address pressing healthcare challenges and achieve the goal of universal health coverage.
