Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Proposes Global Medical Countermeasures Platform and Digital Health Initiative at World Health Assembly
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, addressed the 76th session of the World Health Assembly, highlighting India’s priorities in healthcare. The Minister focused on the importance of Health Emergency Preparedness, Access to Medical Countermeasures, and Digital Health in his speech, emphasizing the need for a more connected world to effectively tackle future health challenges.
In his address, Dr. Mandaviya proposed the establishment of a Global Medical Countermeasures Platform, which aims to ensure equitable access to safe, high-quality, and cost-effective medical countermeasures for all countries. This platform would leverage distributed manufacturing and research and development through regional networks, enabling better preparedness and response to global health emergencies.
Furthermore, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the Global Initiative on Digital Health, which aims to bridge the global digital divide, particularly for low- and middle-income countries. This initiative seeks to promote digital public goods, customize digital tools, and democratize access to cutting-edge technologies in the healthcare sector.
India’s Health Minister emphasizes the need for a connected world to tackle future health challenges.
The Minister highlighted India’s own contributions in digital health through the Ni-kshay Platform, which provides end-to-end patient care, digitization of healthcare workflows, and the use of advanced technologies. This platform serves as an example of India’s commitment to eliminating Tuberculosis using innovative approaches and evidence-based models.
Dr. Mandaviya commended the World Health Organization for its focus on “Health for All” and noted the alignment with India’s G20 Presidency theme of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” He emphasized the importance of reaching the last person in the last mile, ensuring that healthcare reaches every individual, especially in marginalized communities.
As the world continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Mandaviya urged global cooperation and sustained efforts to realize the vision of “Health for All” and create a healthier future for generations to come.
