Union Health Minister Affirms India's Healthcare Reach via Wellness Centers

31 Oct, (VNI) : According to a press release from PIB, The Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, addressed the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia. He was joined by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, who participated virtually. Dr. Mandaviya was also elected as the Chairperson of the 76th session of the South-East Asia regional committee. In addition to Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Director of WHO SEARO, and various health ministers and officials from different countries, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the significance of health, in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision. He highlighted India's comprehensive approach to health, expanding infrastructure, promoting traditional medicine, and ensuring affordable healthcare for all in alignment with Universal Health Coverage. Dr. Mandaviya praised the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC) for offering primary healthcare services, revealing impressive footfalls, medication usage, and wellness sessions. He also acknowledged the impact of initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and PM-ABHIM, which have strengthened digital health and physical infrastructure. The Minister anticipates that the focus on primary health centers through AB-HWC will yield positive health outcomes and financial relief. He also addressed the significance of the WHO SEARO Building as a symbol of collaboration between India and WHO to enhance healthcare services in the South-East region. Union Health Secretary, Shri Sudhansh Pant, recognized the establishment of the South-East Asia Regional Forum for primary health care-oriented Health Systems and emphasized the need for enhancing progress tracking and participatory mechanisms. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in his virtual address, underlined the crucial role of the South-East Asia region in global health, commending the efforts to combat tuberculosis and the elimination of neglected tropical diseases in several member countries. Dr. Poonam acknowledged India's achievements in operationalizing health and wellness centers and its Hypertension Control Initiative. The event witnessed the presence of senior government officials and WHO representatives.