Union Minister of State for Health, Anupriya Patel, on Monday highlighted India’s digital disease surveillance system as a valuable model for countries aiming to strengthen their public health infrastructure. Addressing the QUAD Workshop on Pandemic Preparedness for the Indo-Pacific Region, she emphasized the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, strengthened preparedness, and international coordination to tackle emerging and re-emerging health threats.
The three-day workshop, jointly organized by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of External Affairs, aims to fortify global health emergency frameworks, boost resilience to health crises, ensure coordinated responses to pandemics, and implement the One Health approach—which integrates human, animal, and environmental health perspectives.Reaffirming India’s dedication to global pandemic preparedness, Patel announced the country’s contribution of USD 10 million towards the establishment of the Pandemic Fund, conceptualized to combat future pandemics. Additionally, India has pledged an extra USD 12 million to support its continued operations.
India has established a comprehensive health emergency coordination framework focused on preparedness, response, and resilience-building through several key initiatives. These include the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP), the National One Health Programme for Prevention and Control of Zoonosis, and the National Vector Borne Disease Control and Prevention Program.
Additionally, Anupriya Patel highlighted India’s pioneering digital health platforms, which are transforming healthcare accessibility and management. These include the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, the CoWIN platform for vaccine management, eSanjeevani, which serves as the National Telemedicine Service, Tele-MANAS for mental health support, and the Ni-Kshay portal for tracking and managing tuberculosis patients.
How is India contributing to global digital health collaboration and innovation?
As a lighthouse country in digital health technologies, India has actively contributed to global discussions on healthcare innovation. Patel reiterated India’s willingness to share its Digital Public Infrastructure with the global community, particularly with Global South nations, to promote modern healthcare approaches.
India is also open to offering courses and capacity-building programs in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to support international healthcare development.Concluding her address, Patel stressed the importance of global unity and collaboration in health initiatives, emphasizing that joint efforts are essential for ensuring a safer and healthier future for all.
