Bill Gates calls on health minister, discusses health system

The Health Minister elaborated on the new initiatives of the Government such as Mission Indradhanush aimed to cover all missed-out and left-out children with cover of full immunization and the successes within the nation-wide initiative, the launch of new vaccines including Pentavalent, Pneumococcal, Rota Virus and the adult JE vaccine.

During the meeting, it was agreed that BMGF will support the Ministry in strengthening health systems further in order to enhance the capacity within the sector and to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure.

Mr. Gates stated: ‘India has made significant progress in improving access to healthcare services, and I believe the country has the political will and creative thinking to come up with solutions of transformative healthcare models that work for all its people, especially women and children so that they survive, thrive and reach their full potential. We look forward to working with the government to strengthen primary healthcare, which is key to accelerating health outcomes for every woman and child in India.’

During the meeting with the Health Minister, Mr. Bill Gates expressed appreciation for the switch from DDT to Synthetic Pyrethroid (SP) in some districts for fighting Kala Azar in the affected districts, the expanded choice provided to women through the injectable contraceptives under the reproductive health sector, and India’s attention to the nutrition issues.