“On behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India, I extend a heartfelt welcome to esteemed global healthcare leaders, delegates, and participants to India, and particularly to the vibrant state of Gujarat. In this, I am joined by an impressive collective of healthcare professionals, including 2.4 million doctors, 3.5 million nurses, 1.3 million paramedics, 1.6 million pharmacists, and countless others from India's dynamic healthcare sector.” Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi stated in a video message at the G20 India Health Ministers' Meeting, which was inaugurated today at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The Prime Minister invoked Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy, highlighting the intrinsic connection between health and harmonious living. Echoing this sentiment, the Prime Minister quoted an ancient Sanskrit proverb, "आरोग्यं परमं भाग्यं स्वास्थ्यं सर्वार्थसाधनम्" (Health is the ultimate wealth, and with good health every task can be accomplished).

In the wake of the global Covid-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister underscored the imperative of placing health at the core of global decision-making. He lauded international cooperation exemplified through the Vaccine Maitri initiative, which provided 300 million vaccine doses to over 100 countries, underscoring the value of resilience and collaboration. In this regard he said, “There is a need for bolstering global health systems to anticipate, prepare, and respond to future health emergencies, together, as the world is deeply interconnected today.”

The Prime Minister detailed India's comprehensive approach to healthcare, embracing traditional medicine, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring affordable healthcare for all. The International Year of Millets was highlighted as a pivotal step toward holistic health and wellness, complemented by the establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Gujarat.

Acknowledging the interplay between health and the environment, the Prime Minister commended the launch of the Climate and Health Initiative, and efforts against Anti-Microbial Resistance. He championed the "One Earth, One Health" vision, uniting the health of ecosystems, humans, animals, and plants.

Highlighting the importance of public participation in healthcare, the Prime Minister said, “Public participation is instrumental in successful health initiatives, evidenced by India's leprosy eradication campaign and TB elimination program.” The Prime Minister encouraged global innovation and digital solutions, exemplified by India's e-Sanjeevani platform and the groundbreaking COWIN system, which facilitated a historic vaccination drive. The Prime Minister concluded with an ancient Indian aspiration for humanity, wishing all to be happy and free from illness. He expressed optimism in the outcomes of the summit's deliberations.

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, at the inaugural event announced the finalization of the negotiations, and the adoption of the Health Minister’s Meeting Outcome Document. Concurrence was achieved on all paragraphs barring one geopolitical paragraph on Ukraine. He thanked the G20 Nations for their cooperation during the negotiations, and looked forward to it’s implementation in the coming future in the face of emerging health challenges. He was joined by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, World Health Organization, Mr. Katsunobu Kato, Health Minister of Japan, and Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, and Prof. SP Singh Baghel. The G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting will be a two-day event, between 18th-19th August, 2023 which will focus on the 3 Health Priorities set under India’s G20 Presidency. The 3 priorities include Health Emergencies Prevention, Preparedness and Response (with focus on One Health & AMR); Strengthening Cooperation in Pharmaceutical Sector with focus on Access and Availability to safe, effective, quality and Affordable Medical Countermeasures (Vaccines, Therapeutics and Diagnostics); and Digital Health Innovations and Solutions to Aid Universal Health Coverage and Improve Healthcare Service Delivery. This follows the G20 Deputies Health Minister’s Meeting inaugurated a day prior.

Welcoming the Ministers, and delegates to Gujarat, his home state, Dr. Mandaviya said, “It is with immense pride and honor that we extend a warm welcome to esteemed leaders from around the world to the historic city of Gandhinagar in the vibrant state of Gujarat. This gathering holds special significance as we come together to commemorate the enduring legacy of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and his principles of non-violence, truth, and universal upliftment.”

On the collective resolve to establishing an end-to-end medical countermeasures coordination mechanism, ensuring timely access to safe, quality, affordable, and effective vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics, the Minister said, “The principle of equitable access to medical countermeasures, is a fundamental right that we, as the G20, stand unwaveringly committed to. The alignment between the G7 and G20 on this critical issue is a testament to our shared dedication to safeguarding global health through the principles outlined by the WHO's Working Group on International Health Regulations and the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body.”

On the diverse health challenges faced by the world today, Dr. Mandaviya said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the imperative of digital health adoption and implementation, and we recognize its potential in strengthening health systems and empowering individuals. In partnership with the World Health Organization, the Global Initiative on Digital Health has been established, fostering collaboration among nations and organizations to realize this transformative vision.”

To conclude, Dr. Mandaviya said, “Let us seize this moment to collectively shape a healthier future for all, transcending boundaries and differences to create a world where the well-being of every individual is upheld.”

At the event, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus thanked India for it’s gracious hospitality and visionary leadership in hosting the G20 Summit. He further commended India for their steps in advancing Universal Health Coverage and the success of the Ayushman Bharat scheme which is the world 's largest health assurance initiative. He spoke of his experience of visiting a Health and Wellness Centre (HWC) here in Gandhinagar and how he was impressed by the primary healthcare services being provided to 1000 households by the HWC. He further said, “I commend the telemedicine services being provided here, which provide prescriptions and treatment locally. It is an excellent example of the transforming nature of healthcare in India today.” Highlighting the significance of the Global Initiative on Digital Health, Dr. Ghebreyesus said, “Digital technology can transform health locally and globally, and the Global Initiative on Digital Health to be launched under India’s G20 Presidency, will support the WHO Strategy on Digital Health.”

Health Ministers from the troika countries of Indonesia, and Brazil, led by their Health Minister Mr. Budi Gunadi Sadikin, and Ms. Nísia Trindade, shared their opening remarks at the inauguration event.

The day saw a session on the first health priority to further build resilient health systems to prepare for, and prevent any further pandemics. Two Interphase sessions were also held as part of the Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, as well as the need for promoting value based healthcare beyond borders.

The event was attended by Ministers of the Troika countries of Indonesia and Brazil, and Ministers and delegates of the G20 and Invited Countries. Shri VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, Shri Sudhansh Pant, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Rajeev Bahl, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research, Shri Abhay Thakur, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs and India’s G20 Presidency Sous Sherpa, and senior officials from the Ministry of Health also participated in the inaugural event.

Watch the PM address at the G20 Health Minister’s Meeting here:

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