Empowering Healthcare: WHO Director Commends India's Digital Health Drive and Ayushman Bharat Initiative

WHO Chief Praises India's Digital Health Initiative Alongside Ayushman Bharat

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), has underscored the pivotal role played by Medical Value Travel (MVT) and digital health in fortifying healthcare systems and accessibility.

During his participation in the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine on August 17-18, 2023, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Dr. Ghebreyesus lauded India's effective utilization of digital health platforms, notably citing the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres as an exemplar model.

Speaking at the "One Earth One Health - Advantage Healthcare India" event in Gandhinagar, Dr. Ghebreyesus highlighted the importance of MVT in offering specialized medical resources and services, simultaneously praising the impact of 'digital health' on enhancing healthcare accessibility.

Dr. Ghebreyesus commended India's commitment to digital health, specifically mentioning the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres as transformative platforms for patients to access medical services via telemedicine, particularly benefiting remote and underserved areas.

Reflecting on his educational journey, Dr. Ghebreyesus reminisced about his exposure to Indian educators in Ethiopia who introduced him to Ayurveda and India's potential in traditional medicine.

"The first time I heard about Ayurveda and India's immense potential for traditional medicine... links back to my exposure as a student. Indian doctors, Indian educators – they serve as your ambassadors... India holds a significant opportunity, particularly in medical tourism or Medical Value Travel, providing a notable advantage," he remarked.

Dr. Ghebreyesus recalled his visit to the Ayushman Bharat HWC in Gandhinagar, expressing admiration for its substantial contribution to strengthening primary healthcare.

He also emphasized the practical coexistence of MVT and national capacity building, underlining that while nations invest in their healthcare systems, MVT presents essential healthcare alternatives.

"Each country may not cover every aspect, and specialization in certain areas can contribute to medical tourism," he asserted.

Acknowledging India's leadership in digital health, Dr. Ghebreyesus stated, "Investing in digital technologies is crucial as services from India can be provided virtually, including telemedicine. I've witnessed this firsthand in Ayushman Bharat... how a community health worker at that center was communicating with a doctor 40 km away and managing a patient. This approach is applicable globally as well."

Mandaviya spotlighted India's substantial healthcare workforce, encompassing 1.3 million allopathic doctors, 800,000 AYUSH doctors, and 3.4 million nurses & auxiliary nurses and midwives. Leveraging this capable workforce, India aspires to establish a system of organized workforce mobility, where healthcare professionals serve diverse populations worldwide.

"Our aim is to create a more inclusive and equitable world where healthcare transcends boundaries and skilled healthcare professionals make a difference wherever they are. Our collective efforts will contribute to crafting a healthcare ecosystem that embraces every nation, citizen, and being," Mandaviya affirmed.

Marking a significant milestone, the WHO-organized global summit on traditional medicines held in Gujarat serves as a platform for experts to delve into the latest scientific advancements in the sector, ultimately striving to ensure health for all.

- Team Proceed.Fit