Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, delivered a speech at the 76th session of the World Health Assembly, centered on the theme of 'Health for All.' The event was attended by Dr. Tedros, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, as well as health ministers from various countries around the globe.

In his address, the Minister recounted the health priorities set under India's  G20 presidency, which include health emergency preparedness, access to medical countermeasures, and digital health. “The unprecedented circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic have further served to strengthen the agenda for a more connected world that is prepared to tackle future health challenges,” he said.

In that direction, Mandaviya proposed the establishment of a Global Medical Countermeasures Platform that would involve distributed manufacturing and research and development (R&D) through regional networks. He also suggested the implementation of a Global Initiative for Digital Health.

Highlighting India's national Tuberculosis portal, Ni-kshay, as an exemplary instance of innovation and investment in health technologies, the Minister reiterated the government's dedication to eradicating Tuberculosis by leveraging its own mathematical model, supported by comprehensive patient care, provider workflows, and the digitization of the entire cascade of care integrated into the Ni-kshay Platform.

Appreciating the theme "Health for All", Mandaviya said, “The theme finds resonance with the theme of G20 India Presidency ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ as well as the notion of “Antyodaya” meaning reaching the last person in the last mile.”

Acknowledging the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union Health Minister emphasized that while it has posed significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, it is crucial to sustain the momentum and collaborate harmoniously in order to transform the vision of 'Health for All' into a tangible reality. This collective effort is necessary to ensure a healthier future for future generations.