New Delhi [India]: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday underscored the importance of global healthcare collaboration, emphasizing that healthcare is a fundamental right, not just a privilege.
Speaking at the 12th International Health Dialogue conference in a session titled “Global Changemakers – Transformation in Patient Safety,” Jaishankar highlighted India’s efforts in strengthening healthcare accessibility. He cited initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, which provides health insurance to millions of citizens.
“In this day and age, healthcare is a fundamental right. It’s not just a privilege. The Global South cannot be a hostage to uncertain supply chains and the vagaries of the global economy. The COVID period was a real learning experience for all of us,” Jaishankar stated.
Strengthening Healthcare Systems Through International Partnerships
Jaishankar emphasized the need for global collaboration to improve healthcare infrastructure, enhance patient safety, and ensure affordable healthcare access.
“We must be prepared for the next challenge. All of us want to strengthen healthcare systems, enhance patient safety, and ensure affordable access. These goals would be better achieved if we collaborate more closely. And to the world, therefore, my message would be of the importance of international partnerships,” he added.
India’s Key Healthcare Initiatives
Jaishankar elaborated on India’s significant contributions to global healthcare, citing:
- Ayushman Bharat Initiative – the world’s largest government-run health insurance scheme
- Aabha IDs – issued to 750 million citizens, providing access to 360,000 healthcare facilities and 570,000 healthcare professionals
- Jan Aushadi Kendras – 14,000+ government-run pharmacies providing affordable medicines
“To do this on such a scale at our level of per capita income is a testimony to the power of digital public infrastructure,” Jaishankar remarked, adding that the initiative reflects the Modi government’s commitment to good governance.
Promotion of Traditional Medicine and Global Outreach
Jaishankar also highlighted India’s push for traditional medicine, referencing Ayurveda and initiatives like the WHO Global Centre of Traditional Medicine in Gujarat.
“Especially during the COVID period, there was a sharper realization of the utility and efficacy of traditional medicine in preventive healthcare, recovery, and wellness,” he noted.
India’s “Heal In India” initiative is also aimed at promoting medical tourism and making it easier for foreign patients to receive treatment in the country.
Medical Workforce & Global Healthcare Needs
Jaishankar pointed out that both the Global South and North face healthcare workforce shortages, particularly in North America, Europe, Japan, and the Far East.
“It’s not just the Global South that requires a stronger medical partnership, so does the Global North. There is an acute shortage of doctors, nurses, and health workers in many developed countries,” he said, highlighting India’s efforts to address this gap through mobility partnerships.
India’s Global Healthcare Contributions
India has actively supported international healthcare efforts through medical aid and training programs. Recent examples include:
- 66.5 tons of medical supplies sent to Gaza
- 1,400 kg of anti-cancer medicines dispatched to Syria
- 300 tons of medicines and specialist doctors sent to Afghanistan
- e-Arogya Bharti initiative – providing online medical training to students and paramedics in Africa
Jaishankar emphasized that India’s Vaccine Maitri initiative played a crucial role in ensuring vaccine equity during COVID-19, contrasting it with the vaccine hoarding seen in many developed countries.
India’s Role in Global Healthcare Development
Jaishankar highlighted India’s 600+ development projects in 78 nations, many of which focus on healthcare.
“From specialty hospitals to primary health centers, we have sought to make a difference across a wide spectrum,” he said, acknowledging the contributions of India’s private healthcare industry.
As India continues to push for international healthcare collaboration, Jaishankar’s remarks reinforce the nation’s commitment to equitable healthcare access and global health resilience.