BRICS delegates adopt consensus declaration, applaud India’s Ayushman Bharat model in Chandigarh

A delegation of over 70 representatives from BRICS member and partner nations concluded a successful visit to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh on Friday, adopting a consensus-based declaration on shared healthcare priorities. The visit showcased India’s universal health coverage model, Ayushman Bharat, which drew widespread praise from international delegates.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Economic Advisor Geetu Joshi announced that the delegates reached a unified consensus on several key initiatives, including two spearheaded by India: a mission for healthy lifestyles targeting obesity and non-communicable diseases, and a network of centres of excellence to promote mental wellness across BRICS nations.

PGIMER Director Vivek Lal noted that foreign representatives were particularly impressed by the institute’s ability to deliver complex tertiary procedures at scale. ‘We showcased our patient care model and research capabilities. They were completely mesmerised by our implementation of the Ayushman programme,’ he said, adding that procedures including neurosurgeries, cardiac surgeries, cancer treatments, and organ transplants are being successfully delivered under the scheme.

Cuban Ambassador to India Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera reaffirmed the deepening ties between the two nations, emphasizing collaboration in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. ‘Cuba and India share very strong cooperation. We are working to enhance collaboration in telemedicine and the application of Artificial Intelligence for medical services,’ he said.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare posted on X highlighting the visit as a closer look at one of India’s premier medical institutions, opening new avenues for collaboration.

Article and image source: indiagazette.com