WHO Chief Commends India’s Health Initiatives at G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting

New Delhi, August 19, 2023: Gandhinagar, August 18, 2023 – Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), lauded India’s strides in healthcare coverage and initiatives during the inauguration of the ongoing G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Addressing the audience, Dr. Tedros expressed his gratitude for India’s warm hospitality and visionary leadership as the host of the G20 Summit. He praised India’s commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and its monumental Ayushman Bharat scheme, the world’s largest health assurance endeavor.

Commending India’s healthcare progress, he highlighted, “I commend India for their steps in advancing Universal Health Coverage and the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which is the world’s largest health assurance initiative.”

Dr. Tedros recalled his visit to a Health and Wellness Centre (HWC) and commended the primary healthcare services extended to 1000 households. “I visited a Health and Wellness Centre here in Gandhinagar and was impressed by the primary healthcare services being provided to 1000 households by the HWC,” he added.

The WHO Chief also lauded Gujarat’s telemedicine facilities and thanked India’s G20 Presidency for the forthcoming launch of the Global Digital Health Initiative. “I commend the telemedicine services being provided here, which provide prescriptions and treatment locally. It is an excellent example of transforming healthcare. I also thank India’s G20 Presidency for taking leadership in the Global Digital Health Initiative which will be launched tomorrow,” Dr. Tedros emphasized.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya disclosed that over 70 delegates from diverse countries are participating in the G20 Health Ministers’ meeting and side events. He highlighted the Modi government’s comprehensive approach towards healthcare, describing India’s healthcare model to be appreciatively received.

The G20 Health Ministers’ meeting, part of G20 India Presidency, focuses on health emergencies prevention, strengthening pharmaceutical cooperation, and digital health innovations to enhance universal health coverage and healthcare delivery.

India, currently part of the G20 Troika with Indonesia and Brazil, holds the G20 Presidency for the first time with a triad of developing and emerging economies. The G20 Health Ministers’ meeting under India’s Presidency will conclude on August 19.