New Delhi: Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday proposed a global approach to healthcare that encompasses digital health and medical countermeasures at the 76th session of the World Health Assembly.
Mandaviya called for equity in access to safe, high-quality, and cost-effective health solutions across all nations. The announcement was made in alignment with the assembly’s theme of ‘Health for All’, echoing G20 India’s health priorities that focus on preparedness for health emergencies, accessibility to medical countermeasures, and the advent of digital health.
He emphasized that the covid-19 crisis underscores the need for global unity in health resilience. “The circumstances we find ourselves in have only intensified the call for a globally connected world equipped to combat future health challenges,” Mandaviya stated. He proposed the establishment of a Global Medical Countermeasures Platform and a Global Initiative for Digital Health, both aiming to democratize access to healthcare solutions, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
As an example of innovative digital health solutions, Mandaviya pointed to the Ni-kshay platform, a testament to India’s commitment to eradicating tuberculosis. He also praised the World Health Organization for prioritizing the ‘Health for All’ agenda, which aligns with G20 India’s motto of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ and the principle of ‘Antyodaya,’ a term meaning reaching out to the most vulnerable.
The health minister emphasized the urgency of responding to the strain Covid-19 has placed on healthcare systems around the globe. Mandaviya stated, “Despite the devastating effects of the pandemic, it is crucial to persevere in our mission to realize our vision of ‘Health for All’, thus securing a healthier future for the upcoming generations.”
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