The 77th annual session of the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region was held in the nation's capital, Delhi, on Monday, October 7th.
During this event, India's Union Health Minister, JP Nadda, was elected as the chair of WHO’s South-East Asia Region. JP Nadda also addressed the gathering during the session. He stated that India's healthcare system adopts a holistic approach to achieve universal health coverage, with the central government focusing on strengthening primary healthcare and essential services.
The Union Health Minister also highlighted India's initiatives, describing the country as an emerging leader in the digital health sector.
He mentioned that programs like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, e-Sanjeevani, IHIP, and SAKSHAM will receive technical and financial support through the World Health Organization.
Referring to Ayushman Bharat, he noted that the scheme covers more than 120 million families, offering an annual benefit of up to USD 6,000 per family for hospital admissions.
Highlighting achievements, the Health Minister stated that India's experience in integrating traditional medicine systems is helping provide holistic health services, thereby improving the physical and mental health of citizens.
Present at the meeting was Dr. Saima Wazed, the Regional Director for WHO Southeast Asia. She noted that when the first regional committee for Southeast Asia was established in 1948, the global infant mortality rate was approximately 147. Today, it stands at 25.
She emphasized that as we overcome old threats, we face new challenges. Addressing today's threats requires our collective efforts and the tools of the 21st century.