Union Health Minister Addresses Launch of WHO’s Global Initiative on Digital Health

New Delhi: In a virtual address, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, marked the public launch event of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH). The GIDH, a WHO-managed network, was unanimously adopted by all G20 countries and international organizations. It was collectively launched as a key initiative during India’s G20 Presidency at the Health Ministers’ Meeting in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on August 19, 2023.

Addressing the session, Dr. Mandaviya expressed, “Our collaboration with the WHO on the GIDH is a testament to our shared commitment to transforming the digital health ecosystem. Under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration of the G20 Summit also welcomed the establishment of GIDH within the framework of the WHO.”

Highlighting the significance of GIDH, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that it would democratize digital health technologies, particularly in the Global South, contributing to national digital health transformations. He stressed the need for strong regional cooperation and urged the WHO Southeast Asia Region (SEARO) Director to implement GIDH in the region.

The Union Health Minister showcased India’s groundbreaking digital health initiatives, notably the flagship Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, which promotes healthcare digitization and creates an interoperable digital ecosystem.

Reiterating India’s unwavering support for GIDH, Dr. Mandaviya called upon all member countries to collaborate in strengthening the global digital health framework. This, he noted, would empower nations in their journey towards achieving universal health coverage.

Background:

The Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) was launched by WHO and the Government of India during the G20 Health Ministerial Meeting in Gandhinagar, India, on August 19, 2023. As a WHO Managed Network, GIDH aims to consolidate and amplify global digital health gains, enhance mutual accountability, and implement the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025. Functioning as a knowledge hub and neutral broker, GIDH aligns resources and efforts to establish digital public infrastructure for health, a critical enabler for sustainable national digital health transformation.