G20 Presidency: Goa to host second Health Working Group meeting tomorrow

More than 180 delegates from G20 countries, 10 invited states and 22 International Organizations will be participating at the second Health Working Group meeting to be held from April 17 to 19 in Goa, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement on Saturday.

During the three-day meeting of the G20 Health Working Group meeting, three priorities identified under the G20 Health Track will be discussed.

These priorities will be: Health emergencies prevention, preparedness, and response; strengthening cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector with focus on access and availability to safe, effective, quality, and affordable medical countermeasures; digital health innovation and solutions to aid universal health coverage and improve healthcare service delivery.

According to the Ministry, a side event on Digital Health will be held on the margins of the 2nd meeting of the Health Working Group in Goa on April 18-19, 2023.

India plans to host four side events along with Health Working Group meetings to enrich, supplement and support G20 discussions. The meetings will be held in different locations across the country. This aims to showcase India’s rich and diverse cultures.

According to the Ministry, on the sidelines of the meeting in Goa, several cultural programmes infused with flavours of the state culture have been planned for the event to showcase India’s rich diversity and culture based on Indian philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava.’

Delegates will also be able to experience Goa’s culinary culture, besides enjoying its scenic beauty and generous hospitality.

India assumed the presidency of the G20 on December 1, 2022, marking a significant milestone. India is currently part of the G20 Troika comprising Indonesia, India and Brazil marking the first time that the troika consists of three developing and emerging economies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated that the G20 India Presidency will be inclusive, action-oriented, and decisive. The theme unveiled by Prime Minister Modi: ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’ based on India’s philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, is a catchphrase for people across the world to collectively work towards building a healthier post- pandemic world.

As chair of the G20 Presidency, India aims to continue and consolidate health priorities and key takeaways from previous presidencies while highlighting critical areas that require strengthening.

India also aims to achieve convergence in discussions across various multilateral fora engaged in health cooperation and work towards integrated action.