Covid-19: Health Minister calls for collective effort to break cycle of panic
Panaji (Goa), April 18: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday highlighted the fight against Covid-19 and called for a collective endeavour to break the cycle of panic and neglect and not let down the ongoing efforts on pandemic preparedness, prevention and response.
Mandaviya remarked during the closing session of the 2nd G20 Health Working Group Meeting, "As G20 Health Working Group, we are heading in the right direction toward jointly creating a positive impact for future global health architecture."
Mandaviya emphasised the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on global healthcare systems, saying, "It is essential for us to collectively break the cycle of panic and neglect and not let the phenomenon of pandemic fatigue diminish our ongoing efforts on pandemic preparedness, prevention and response."
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He also stated that India's G20 Presidency intends to build on the momentum brought during Italy and Indonesian Presidency and consolidate the efforts made so far towards health emergencies preparedness, prevention and response.
Furthermore, the Minister emphasised the need of converging and integrating efforts on the Medical Countermeasures (MCM) Agenda, as well as the need for a formal worldwide coordination body for medical countermeasures. He also mentioned that India has proposed a digital health and innovation agenda in order to promote the use of technology in health service delivery, bridge the global digital gap, and promote digital public goods.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Bharati Pravin Pawar reiterated that the ancient Indian philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' serves as the fulcrum of India's G20 presidency, emphasising the need to build resilient healthcare systems that provide equitable access to affordable and high-quality healthcare across national borders.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan emphasised the need for an integrated global health framework based on the 'One Health' approach, as well as the necessity to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). He asked everyone to continue their discussions in order to work together to achieve 'Universal Health Coverage' for all.
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- ANI
