Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya assumed a pivotal role on the international stage as he addressed the 76th session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for South-East Asia. The prestigious gathering brought together prominent health officials and dignitaries from across the region, with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), joining virtually.
In a unanimous decision, Dr. Mandaviya was also elected as the Chairperson of the 76th session, a testament to his leadership in the field of healthcare. The event witnessed the presence of notable figures, including Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Director of WHO SEARO (Regional Office for South-East Asia), Ahmed Naseem, the Minister of Health from Maldives, Dr. Elia Antonio de Araujo Dos Reis Amaral, Health Minister of Timor Leste, and many others.
Dr. Mandaviya took the opportunity to reiterate the vision of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing that ‘health is the ultimate wealth, and with good health, every task can be accomplished.’ He underscored the holistic and inclusive approach India is taking to expand health infrastructure, promote traditional systems of medicine, and provide affordable healthcare to all in alignment with the vision of Universal Health Coverage, leaving no one behind.
One of the highlights of Dr. Mandaviya's address was the progress of the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC) program, which has played a pivotal role in providing comprehensive primary healthcare services to the Indian population. As of October 24, 2023, AB-HWCs have recorded over 2,110 million footfalls, with individuals availing free drugs over 1,830 million times and diagnostic services over 873 million times. Additionally, 26 million wellness sessions have been conducted, engaging more than 306 million people.
Dr. Mandaviya also acknowledged the significant impact of initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and PM-ABHIM, which have strengthened both the digital health framework and physical infrastructure, revolutionizing healthcare delivery in the country. He emphasized that focusing on primary health centers through AB-HWC is expected to result in positive health outcomes and reductions in out-of-pocket expenditures, serving as a model for other countries engaged in health sector reforms.
During the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya participated in a tree planting ceremony at the WHO SEARO Building site in New Delhi, highlighting the collaborative effort between India and WHO to address global healthcare challenges. He noted India's contribution of Rs. 239.5 crores to support the successful completion of the project, envisioning it as a hub for collaboration, research, and knowledge exchange among health professionals, aimed at addressing regional health challenges and developing innovative solutions.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, addressed the gathering virtually and recognized the critical juncture at which the 76th Session of SEARO is taking place. He commended the efforts of the South-East Asia region in combatting tuberculosis and praised Dr. Mandaviya's leadership and commitment to achieving ‘Health for All.’
Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh lauded India's operationalization of over 150,000 Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres and its Hypertension Control Initiative, which has successfully treated more than 4 million people. These achievements highlight the dedication and progress made by the region in improving healthcare accessibility and quality for its population.
