At the UNGA, India reiterates its commitment to the social determinants of health

INN/Chennai, @Infodeaofficial

During the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India reiterated its unwavering commitment to enhancing the social determinants of health (SDH) at the G20 Joint Finance-Health Task Force (JFHTF) High-Level Meeting. “Prioritising investments in the health sector-advancing the development and implementation of debt-for-health swap arrangements and the role of social determinants of health” was the main topic of discussion during the session.

One of the main speakers at the event, Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, focused on “the Role of Social Determinants of Health in Supporting Health Investments Priorities” and how debt-for-health swaps can be used to directly address social determinants of health. She also emphasised how important it is for health and finances to work together to lessen the effects of future medical emergencies and ease financial difficulties.

Patel stressed the need of tackling fundamental SDH elements like housing, sanitation, water availability, and economic security during the event—areas in which India has achieved significant strides. The Indian delegation outlined key initiatives that have revolutionised the nation, including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Housing for All), Jal Jeevan Mission (Water for Life), Swatch Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission), and Ayushman Bharat.

The success of the world’s largest health insurance program, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), which offers millions of people comprehensive health coverage at a cost of Rs. 5 lakh per family year, was also highlighted by India’s representation. In addition to increasing access to secondary and tertiary healthcare, the program has improved health outcomes, especially for non-communicable diseases.

Patel also underlined how crucial data are to implementing health policies that work. She also emphasised that in order for policymakers to prioritise health investments that provide quantifiable effects, it is imperative that data availability and design be improved, particularly with regard to cross-sectoral SDH indicators. She emphasised the necessity of standardising data sources to make sure they are reliable and widely accepted.

“This will facilitate cross-sectoral analysis, enable more accurate measurement of the impact of health investments, and lay the groundwork for evidence-based policymaking,” the speaker stated. The Indian delegation demanded that in order to improve health systems throughout the world, G20 members establish a common strategy for data gathering and analysis.

India also looked into the possibility of debt-for-health exchanges, a system that could reduce financial burden while promoting health equity. India recognised the initiative’s significant potential but also pointed out that additional stakeholder engagement and large-scale pilot projects are required for its successful implementation.

India, a prominent advocate on health matters within the G20, conveyed its appreciation to the Brazilian G20 Presidency and the Rockefeller Foundation for arranging the esteemed occasion. India’s dedication to advancing health equity through evidence-based policymaking, international collaborations, and sustained investments in socioeconomic determinants of health was reiterated by the delegation.

India conveyed its gratitude for the G20 meeting’s emphasis on SDH and reaffirmed its dedication to promoting health equity through data-driven policymaking and strategic investments that advance a common goal of “Health for All.”