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16th BRICS Health Ministers’ Declaration Sets a Strong Roadmap for Equitable Healthcare Cooperation
Pooja Srivastava | Anytime News Network
: India reinforced its growing influence in global health diplomacy as the 16th BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting, held under India’s BRICS Presidency 2026, concluded with the unanimous adoption of the 16th BRICS Health Ministers’ Declaration. The landmark document establishes a stronger institutional framework for long-term cooperation on public health, innovation and universal healthcare among BRICS nations.
India Showcases Transformative Healthcare Reforms
Addressing the ministerial session virtually, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda highlighted the transformational reforms undertaken under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He emphasized that people-centric healthcare policies, digital public infrastructure and improved healthcare delivery have positioned India as a model for inclusive and resilient health systems.
Digital Health Takes Centre Stage
India’s flagship initiatives, including the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, eSanjeevani Telemedicine Platform and digital healthcare infrastructure, were showcased as successful models for expanding quality healthcare to remote and underserved populations. BRICS members endorsed greater collaboration in digital public health systems.
United Against Future Health Threats
The ministers agreed to strengthen the BRICS TB Research Network, establish an Integrated Early Warning System for infectious diseases and deepen cooperation in pandemic preparedness and response. In a significant development, NIMHANS was designated to coordinate the BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Mental Health, reinforcing research, training and policy collaboration across member nations.
Focus on Healthy Lifestyles and Traditional Medicine
The meeting endorsed the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles (2026–2029), greater collaboration in traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, and stronger regulatory cooperation through the BRICS GxP White Paper. Member countries also stressed equitable access to quality medicines, vaccines and medical technologies.
A Blueprint for Global Health Cooperation
The newly adopted declaration outlines a comprehensive vision for universal health coverage, stronger public health systems, collaborative research, affordable healthcare, digital innovation and institutional partnerships. By steering consensus on these critical priorities, India has strengthened BRICS as a powerful platform for advancing equitable, resilient and people-centric global healthcare while amplifying the voice of the Global South.
