Billions of livelihoods will be at stake again when a new pandemic shall hit. It shall not wait for any global treaties to be made as remarked by Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary.

We must act with a sense of urgency so that the next pandemic sees us adequately prepared.

Reiterating on the same lines, Michael Ryan, Executive Director of World Health Organisation Health Emergency Programme said that it's time when countries should come together to ensure drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics are available to all in an equitable manner. All in all, the world should have a better response to the pandemic.

India is a global player in the pharmaceutical industry with strong manufacturing in the medical base coupled with assistance of the digital arena. It is in a better position to provide health care services to all.

Speaking on this, Alain Labrique, Director of Department of Digital Health and Innovation, WHO said that digital health is about strengthening primary healthcare systems, improving universal health coverage, and timely and relevant data for decision-making and resource allocation. Equity is something that should not be left out.

V.K. Paul, Member of NITI Aayog, stated that digital health promoted the seamless exchange of health information among providers and systems, etc.

As a part of Sustainable Development Goals, India and the world, in general, shall work to make digital health accessible to all.

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Reference:

• thehindu.com