PM Modi to address G20 Health Ministers’ meeting in Gandhinagar through video conferencing
As part of India’s G20 presidency, the G20 Health Ministers’ meeting formally began today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually address the meeting in the afternoon. 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 healthcare.
Mr Mandaviya underscored the importance of digital health interventions post pandemic and congratulated G 20 countries for supporting India in finalising the Global Initiative on Digital Health. Saying that the future depends upon our present action and thanked G 20 countries for their resolve to unite to provide a secure healthcare future for all.
Addressing at the inaugural session, WHO Director General , Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended India for its steps taken in advancing Universal Health Coverage and the Ayushman Bharat scheme which is the World’s largest Health Assurance initiative.
Mr. Tedros also cited the telemedicine initiative of India as an excellent example of transforming healthcare. The conference is witnessing participation from around 19 G20 member countries, 10 invited states and 22 International Organizations.
The meeting is focusing on three priority areas, including health emergencies prevention, preparedness, and response with a focus on anti-microbial resistance and One Health framework; strengthening cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector and Digital Health innovations.
There will also be combined sessions of G20 and side events during the Meeting. A Joint Finance – Health Ministers’ Meeting will be held tomorrow as a focus event of the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting.Under India’s G20 Presidency, the Global Initiative on Digital Health will also be launched tomorrow which aims to consolidate efforts in the digital healthcare landscape in the world today.