Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya takes charge as Chairperson WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia

New Delhi: Addressing the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia, India's Union Health Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, highlighted the nation's commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage and ensuring that no one is left behind. He emphasized the importance of good health in accomplishing various tasks and reiterated the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Dr. Mandaviya was also unanimously elected as Chairperson of the 76th session of the regional committee of South-East Asia.

Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Director, WHO SEARO (Regional Office for South-East Asia) Mr. Ahmed Naseem, Minister of Health, Maldives; Dr. Elia Antonio de Araujo Dos Reis Amaral, Health Minister, Timor Leste; Dr. Seetha Arambepola, Health Minister of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mohan Bahadur Basnet, Health Minister of Nepal, Mr. Choe Hui Chol, Ambassador to India, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Mr. Zahid Maleque, Health Minister, Bangladesh, Dr. Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee, Dr. Syarifah Liza Munira, Director General for Health, Ministry of Health, Indonesia and Mr. Pemba Wangchuk, Acting Secretary, Ministry of Health, Bhutan were also present.

One of the significant milestones discussed by Dr. Mandaviya was the success of the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers (AB-HWC). These centers have been instrumental in providing comprehensive primary healthcare services to the people of India. As of October 24, 2023, AB-HWCs have recorded an impressive 2,110 million footfalls. Patients have availed free drugs over 1,830 million times and diagnostic services over 873 million times. These figures reflect the substantial impact of this initiative in delivering healthcare services to the masses.

India's current focus on primary health centers through AB-HWCs is aligned with a synergistic approach. This approach is expected to yield immeasurable positive health outcomes, reduce out-of-pocket expenditures for patients, and serve as a model for other countries engaged in healthcare sector reforms. By emphasizing primary healthcare, India aims to address health issues at their root and ensure that healthcare services are accessible and affordable to all.

Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the significance of digital health initiatives, such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and PM-ABHIM, in strengthening the digital health framework and physical infrastructure. These initiatives are catalyzing a revolutionary transformation in healthcare delivery across India. The integration of digital technologies is streamlining healthcare services, improving access, and enhancing healthcare outcomes.

The Union Health Minister also emphasized the collaborative efforts between India and WHO, symbolized by the WHO SEARO building. This project aims to ensure inclusive and equitable development of healthcare services in the South-East region. India's contribution fund of Rs. 239.5 crores towards this project demonstrates its commitment to fostering collaboration, research, and knowledge exchange among health professionals to address regional health challenges.

The establishment of the South-East Asia Regional Forum for primary healthcare (PHC)-oriented Health Systems is a pivotal step in fostering knowledge sharing and collaborative support. Member states are actively embracing PHC-oriented health systems, and focused attention is needed in areas like progress tracking, accountability, and participatory mechanisms in urban health care governance.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, commended India's leadership and commitment to 'Health for All.' He noted the significant burden of disease in the South-East Asia region, which is home to a quarter of the world's population. India's achievements, such as operationalizing over 1,50,000 Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers and its Hypertension Control Initiative, which has treated more than 4 million people, received international recognition and awards.

India's approach to achieving Universal Health Coverage, with a focus on primary healthcare and digital health initiatives, is setting an example for the world. The success of initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers and the collaborative efforts with WHO highlight India's commitment to providing affordable and accessible healthcare to all, ensuring that health is the ultimate wealth for its citizens. As the nation continues to lead the way in healthcare reform, it remains a source of inspiration for countries worldwide.