New Delhi, August 18, 2024 – In a significant address at the Voice of Global South Summit, Union Health Minister JP Nadda highlighted India’s unwavering commitment to the democratization of digital public goods. Representing a nation that has emerged as a global leader in digital health innovation, Nadda emphasized the importance of making comprehensive healthcare accessible to all through indigenous digital platforms.
At the forefront of this mission is the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), a key initiative under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Nadda outlined the four foundational pillars of Ayushman Bharat, which collectively aim to achieve universal health coverage and promote robust socio-economic development. These pillars include:
- Pradhanmantri Jan Aarogye Yojana (ABPM-JAY): A flagship health insurance scheme providing financial protection to millions of underprivileged families across India.
- Pradhanmantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM): An ambitious initiative focused on strengthening the nation’s health infrastructure, ensuring that every citizen has access to quality healthcare services.
- Ayushman Aarogye Mandirs: Health and wellness centers established across the country to provide preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare services, fostering a culture of health and well-being.
- Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): A transformative digital platform designed to integrate the country’s health ecosystem, enabling seamless access to healthcare services, electronic health records, and more.
Nadda underscored that these initiatives are not only pivotal for India’s healthcare landscape but also serve as a model for other nations. “India is committed to offering both technical and financial support to countries that wish to adopt our digital public goods,” he stated, reiterating the country’s role as a pioneer in democratizing technology for holistic health and development.
The Union Health Minister also highlighted the significance of coordinated surveillance and early warning systems, particularly in the context of zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and the integration of evidence-based traditional medicine. These measures, he noted, are crucial for global health security and sustainable development.
The session at the Global South Summit spotlighted India’s proactive stance in sharing its technological advancements with the world, fostering a more equitable and interconnected global health landscape. Nadda’s address resonated with the summit’s overarching theme of unity and cooperation among developing nations, further solidifying India’s leadership role in the global health sector.