India’s G20 Presidency convenes Health Working Group and Ministers meeting in Gujarat from 17-19 August. The meeting saw participation from the health Ministers of the G20 member countries as well as representatives of invited countries and international organizations.The meeting was addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a special video message.
During the video message, Prime Minister underlined that “The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us that health should be at the center of our decisions.” He said that “time has also made us understand the importance of international cooperation, whether it is distribution of medicines and vaccines or bringing our people back home.”Additional Secretary Lav Agarwal delivered the welcome address, while Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya delivered the inaugural address during the opening session.
The G20 Health Ministers’ meeting focused on ‘Prevention, Preparedness, and Response to Health Emergencies’, focusing on pharmaceuticals, anti-microbial resistance, and digital health innovations. The focus was on access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable medical interventions, strengthening regional cooperation, and enhancing healthcare delivery through digital health innovations. A two-day Traditional Medicine Global Summit was organized by the Ministry of AYUSH and the World Health Organization (WHO) at the venue.