Health minister JP Nadda for sharing of best practices among Commonwealth nations

NEW DELHI: Health minister J P Nadda has called for sharing of best practices among Commonwealth countries to augment the health system capacity.
“The Commonwealth can make a contribution by way of sharing best practices in critical areas essential to augment the health system capacity,” Nadda said at the Commonwealth health ministers meet at the 68th World Health Assembly 2015 at Geneva.
He emphasized the need to cooperate in the areas of health financing, health services administration, appropriate use of available medical technology and access to essential drugs including a robust supply chain.
Acknowledging that India had a comparatively young population, with about 66% of the population below the age of 35, Nadda said while this was a strength for the country at present, the government was also aware of the potential challenge in the next three decades as this age group would move into the category of older persons.
“In recognition of this challenge, we are continuously devising new policy interventions that include social and human, as well as economic investments, to realize healthy living among aged persons,” he said, adding India was committed to achieve universal health coverage for all age groups.
“We believe that investment in universal health coverage, including for aged population, should be considered as a smart investment for future,” he said.
The National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly is currently implemented in 100 districts of 21 states. This programme is addressing the primary objective of providing easy access to preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative services for the elderly. The government plans to expand the reach of the programme to cover more states over next five years.