Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, delivered a speech at the 76th session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for South-East Asia, with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus participating virtually.

Dr. Mandaviya has been unanimously selected as the Chairperson for the 76th session of the South-East Asia regional committee.

The event featured prominent figures from various countries, including Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Director of WHO SEARO, Ahmed Naseem, Maldives' Minister of Health, Timor Leste's Health Minister, Sri Lanka's Health Minister, Nepal's Health Minister, Choe Hui Chol, Ambassador to India from Korea, Bangladesh's Health Minister, Dr. Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee, Indonesia's Director General for Health, and Bhutan's Acting Secretary, Pemba Wangchuk.

Reiterating the vision of the PM Modi, the Union Health Minister stated “health is the ultimate wealth and with good heath, every task can be accomplished. In India we are following a holistic and inclusive approach. We are expanding health infrastructure, promoting traditional systems of medicine and providing affordable healthcare to all in alignment with the vison of Universal Health Coverage with the resolute commitment of leaving no one behind.”

Addressing the gathering, Dr Mandaviya lauded the progress of Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC) which have played an instrumental role in providing a comprehensive array of primary healthcare services. He cited “As of October 24, 2023, AB-HWCs have recorded over 2,110 million footfalls. The impact is resounding with individuals availing free drugs over 1,830 million times and diagnostic services over 873 million times. 26 million wellness sessions have been conducted engaging more than 306 million people.”

Dr. Mandaviya highlighted that initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and PM-ABHIM have significantly bolstered the digital healthcare framework and physical infrastructure, ushering in a transformative evolution in healthcare delivery in the country.

The Union Health Minister highlighted that “our current focus on primary health centres through AB-HWC emulating a synergistic approach will result in immeasurably positive health outcomes and reductions in out-of-pocket expenditures and become a model for other countries engaged in health sector reforms.”

Dr. Mandaviya also spoke during the tree plantation ceremony held at the WHO SEARO Building site in IP Estate, New Delhi. He emphasized, "The WHO SEARO building stands as a symbol of the collaborative efforts of India and WHO to address global challenges with the aim of ensuring inclusive and equitable healthcare service development in the South-East region." The Union Health Minister highlighted India's contribution of Rs 239.5 crores to support the successful completion of this significant project, entrusted to the National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC).

The proposal aims to establish a healthcare professional collaboration hub to tackle regional health issues, share best practices, and develop innovative solutions.

Sudhansh Pant, the Union Health Secretary, emphasized that the creation of the South-East Asia Regional Forum focused on primary healthcare (PHC)-oriented Health Systems represents a significant milestone in our dedication to promoting knowledge exchange and collaborative assistance in tackling obstacles that impede the strengthening of primary healthcare.

Lauding the progress of member states in embracing PHC-oriented health systems, he further reflected “focused attention is now required in key areas of enhancing capacities for progress tracking and accountability, institutionalising participatory mechanisms in urban health care (UHC)/PHC governance, and fostering synergized support from WHO and partners tailored to national systems and contextual nuances.”

Dr. Ghebreyesus virtually addressed the gathering, emphasizing that the 76th Session of SEARO is a pivotal moment globally and for the region. He pointed out that the South-East Asia region, home to over a quarter of the world's population, faces a significant disease burden.

Commending the region's efforts in combating tuberculosis, Dr. Ghebreyesus praised Dr. Mandaviya's leadership and commitment to 'Health for All.' He also highlighted that 7 out of the 11 member countries in the South-East Asia region have successfully eliminated at least one of the neglected tropical diseases.

Dr. Singh praised India's achievements in operating over 150,000 Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers and receiving the 2022 UN Interagency Task Force and WHO Special Program on PHC award for its Hypertension Control Initiative, which has treated over 4 million people.