PATHWAY TO WELL-BEING: INDIA'S LEADERSHIP IN GLOBAL HEALTH

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The path to well-being is deeply rooted in sustainability and health is a major factor influencing the progress of any nation. The cost of illness affects productivity and has a significant impact on national budgets. Last year, under the proficient leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the G20 summit had opened a platform for collaborative gathering. The summit focused on three main priorities: health emergencies - preparedness and response; strengthening cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector (vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics) and digital health innovation and solutions. Prime Minister Hon. Narendra Modi emphasized the theme of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," called on everyone to work together towards building a healthier post-pandemic world. Thematic discussions, seminars, conferences and public awareness programs through collaborations was held across the country.

We all had an experience of COVID-19 pandemic that presented many unprecedented challenges globally. The medical field was at the forefront of the battle. India demonstrated its capacity by providing essential items such as PPE kits, testing kits, vaccines and both allopathic and Ayurvedic medicines at affordable prices to the world. India's pandemic response is a notable success story. The world is keen to understand how India managed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic while many other countries were struggling with the virus for long period of time while India achieved an exemplary recovery rate and conducted the world's largest vaccination program, providing free vaccines to every citizen and supplying them to more than 20 countries in a short span of time.

While addressing the world at the G20 Summit on health, Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said, "We need to be prepared for the next health emergency."

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In the era of digitalization, Prime Minister Modi’s Digital Health initiative, including the successful flagship program ANTODAYA, is a model that the world should consider. Our pandemic management, vaccination drive, Ayushman Bharat, Awaz Health Insurance Scheme, Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana, Bhamashah Swasthya Bima Yojana, Central Government Health Scheme, Chief Minister's Comprehensive Insurance Scheme and Employees State Insurance Scheme are examples of how digitalization can be effectively implemented.

In recent years, India has emerged as a major hub for Medical and Dental tourism, with an estimated market value of around USD 9 billion. India ranks 10th in the Global Medical Tourism Index, thanks to its holistic healthcare approach. Ancient medical sciences like Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and indigenous practices complement modern medical science, offering sustainable treatment solutions. The "Heal in India" program provides opportunities for medical, dental, Ayurvedic and wellness treatments at affordable prices with streamlined visa and forex norms, unlocking tremendous potential for medical tourism in the country.

Considering its technological infrastructure, skilled manpower, affordable medical care, diverse tourist destinations, low-cost transport and quality accommodations, India is a favored destination for medical tourism. Renowned specialists in fields such as cardiothoracic surgery, biology, urology, otorhinolaryngology, liver transplantation, gynecology, IVF, dental surgery and plastic surgery have enhanced India's prominence in the global healthcare sector. Patients from around the world visit our specialty hospitals for IVF treatments, open-heart surgeries, dental implants, aesthetic dentistry, plastic surgeries, liver transplants, and more.

India is also known for its natural medicines, including Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Naturopathy and Yogashastra. The global Ayurvedic market has been growing at an average annual rate of 16.2% since 2015, reflecting rising demand for alternative medicine and wellness experiences. Homeopathy, widely practiced in India for chronic ailments, is also advancing, supported by breakthroughs in genetics and epigenetics.

India is ranked fourth globally in beauty and personal care, holding a 41% market share. Our organic and Ayurvedic products are in demand for their hypoallergenic and sustainable benefits, creating opportunities for local companies to promote homemade cosmetics and personal care products.

Prime Minister Modi aimed to advance the G20 health sector program and encourage the entire medical fraternity. Maximum participation was the mantra under this initiative. Various platforms, including symposiums, discussions, meetings and seminars were organized to encourage global health campaign participation. To kick off, the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nasik also actively contributed to public health initiatives and telemedicine infrastructure to reach the masses. Side events such as workshops on medical value travel and digital health, collaborative research on drugs, diagnostics and vaccines, and a co-branded event on the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine were held throughout the summit. An exhibition showcased India's health program achievements and promoted holistic, value-based medical tourism was the key attraction. We engaged the public across all platforms for their valuable input towards the success of this summit.

The G20 summit provided a valuable platform for sharing experiences and breakthroughs in healthcare, research, science and technology, while expressing India's rich heritage in diagnostic and therapeutic medicine with our pro-planet approach of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" for the betterment of humankind.