Innovations in healthcare must be for the public good: PM
Context :
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that advancements in digital healthcare should be made available for the benefit of the general public and he urged the G-20 Health Ministers to prevent funding overlap and promote the equal distribution of technology.
What were the key points from PM Narendra Modi‘s address?
- emphasized the necessity of facilitating public access to digital healthcare innovations.
- urged the G-20 health ministers to encourage fair access to medical innovations and avoid financing overlap.
- highlighted the Global Initiative on Digital Health’s potential to overcome healthcare delivery disparities, particularly in nations of the Global South.
- Warned about the serious threat of antimicrobial resistance to global public health and pharmaceutical advancements.
What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is the term used to describe the capacity of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, to develop resistance to the medications (antimicrobial agents) that are intended to treat or control diseases brought on by these organisms. In other words, AMR happens when infection-causing microbes stop responding to drugs that used to work to kill or control them, or they become resistant to them.
What is the role of Global Health systems in the Global scenario?
Healthcare Access and Equity:
- Global health systems strive to guarantee that everyone has access to necessary healthcare services, irrespective of their socioeconomic situation or geographic location. By doing so, gaps in health between various populations are lessened and health equity is promoted.
Disease Prevention and Control:
- Through vaccination campaigns, public health initiatives, and surveillance systems that track disease outbreaks and trends, global health systems attempt to stop the spread of infectious illnesses.
Healthcare Infrastructure:
- To provide populations with essential care and treatment, global health systems must construct and maintain healthcare infrastructure, such as hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and medical facilities.
Health Promotion and Education:
- Through educational initiatives, health systems raise public knowledge of healthy behaviours and lifestyles, preventing disease and fostering healthier communities.
Emergency Preparedness and Response:
- Whether it’s a natural disaster, a disease epidemic (like the COVID-19 pandemic), or another type of health emergency, health systems need to be ready to react. This entails coordinating individuals, resources, and knowledge to handle and lessen the effects of emergencies.
What is the significance of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM)?
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) is intended to serve as a knowledge centre and strategic focal point for traditional medicine. It intends to take advantage of traditional medicine’s potential to advance global health and sustainable development in a manner that is consistent with WHO’s larger traditional medicine policy. The centre upholds the values of respect for local rights and cultural heritage while concentrating on several important areas:
- Leadership Vision: The creation of the GCTM is in line with the Director-General of WHO’s belief that traditional medicine can significantly improve global health when it is based on research, innovation, and sustainability.
- Support from the Government of India: Government of India support is being provided for the establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine. This backing demonstrates a dedication to advancing traditional medicine’s contribution to sustainable development and healthcare.
- Global Good and Unity: The founding of the GCTM in India, notably in Jamnagar, Gujarat, is considered a global project aiming at assisting people all over the world. It represents the idea of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which means “the world is one family.” This philosophy emphasizes the notion of connectivity and world unity.
