Digital Innovations in Healthcare Should Benefit the Common Man: PM Modi

In his speech, PM Modi called to unite various global digital health initiatives on a common platform. He further urged G-20 Health Ministers to avoid duplication in funding and facilitate the equitable availability of technology.

In a recent virtual address to the G20 Health Ministers' meeting held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, PM Modi highlighted the significance of digital innovation and its prominent role in global healthcare.

In his speech, PM Modi called to unite various digital health initiatives on a common platform. He further urged G-20 Health Ministers to avoid duplication in funding and facilitate the equitable availability of technology.

"The Global Initiative on Digital Health... will allow countries in the Global South to close the gap in health-care delivery. It will take us one step closer to our goal of achieving universal health coverage," he said, as part of his address during the ongoing meeting of G-20 Health Ministers in Gujarat's capital.

Reflecting on the role of digital solutions and innovations in making healthcare services accessible to all, PM Modi praised India's national telemedicine platform, e-sanjeevani, which facilitated 140 Mn telehealth consultations. 

He underscored the profound importance of health while reflecting on the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. He continued to add that the global health system should be resilient and prepared to prevent, prepare and respond to the future health emergency, especially in today's interconnected world.

'œLet us open our innovations for the public good. Let us avoid duplication of funding. Let us facilitate equitable availability of technology,' the Prime Minister gave a clarion call. 

He further emphasised the value of international cooperation in areas of medicine, vaccine deliveries and repatriation efforts. Moreover, he lauded India's humanitarian effort under the Vaccine Maitri Initiative, which successfully delivered 300 Mn vaccine doses to more than 100 countries. 

India's CoWIN platform, he noted, successfully pulled the world's largest vaccination drive, deliberating over 2.2 billion vaccine doses, and real-time availability of globally verifiable vaccination certificates. 

India is expanding health infrastructure, promoting traditional systems of medicine, and promoting affordable healthcare access to all, he continued. 

'œIn India, we are following a holistic and inclusive approach,' the Prime Minister remarked. 

PM Modi further observed his address by applauding the steps taken to address the threat of Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR). He added that AMR poses a significant risk to global public health and pharmaceutical advancements.

Highlighting the importance of public participation in the success of health programmes, the PM observed its pivotal role in the triumph of our leprosy eradication campaign. He said that our ambitious programme on TB elimination also encourages public engagement.