India’s Transformative Role in Global Healthcare: Strengthening Ties with Middle East, South Asia, and Africa

India’s contribution to the West Asian, South Asian, and African nations have been instrumental in improving healthcare accessibility and quality.

BY Akanksha Singh 

Introduction

The healthcare industry is an ever-evolving landscape, shaped by advancements in technology, research, and international collaborations. In this dynamic environment, India has emerged as a significant player, not only addressing domestic healthcare challenges but also extending a helping hand to nations across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. This article explores how India’s healthcare contributions on the international stage have been instrumental in fostering better health outcomes worldwide, focusing on its partnerships in the Middle East, South Asian countries, and with African nations. Additionally, we will delve into how India’s priorities align with the G20’s global health declaration and the digital transformation of healthcare.

India’s Healthcare Assistance in the Middle East

The Middle East is a region that has witnessed significant growth and development over the years. However, it has also faced healthcare challenges, particularly when it comes to access to quality medical care. India has played a pivotal role in bridging this gap through various initiatives.

1. Medical Tourism: India has been a top destination for medical tourism. Patients from the Middle East flock to India for affordable, high-quality healthcare services. Indian hospitals and medical professionals have gained a reputation for providing world-class treatments, from complex surgeries to cutting-edge medical procedures.
2. Humanitarian Aid: India has consistently provided humanitarian aid to countries in the Middle East during times of crisis. This includes sending medical supplies, relief teams, and financial support to nations affected by natural disasters or health emergencies.
3. Capacity Building: India has also been actively involved in capacity-building programs in the Middle East. This involves training medical personnel, sharing best practices, and providing educational resources to help nations improve their healthcare systems.

India’s Healthcare Initiatives in South Asia

South Asia is a diverse region with varying healthcare needs and challenges. India, as a regional powerhouse, has been actively involved in collaborative efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality in South Asian countries.

1. Neighboring Nations: India’s “Neighborhood First” policy has been instrumental in fostering strong healthcare ties with its South Asian neighbours. Initiatives such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) COVID-19 Emergency Fund and vaccine distribution have showcased India’s commitment to regional health.
2. Capacity Building and Training: India has been sharing its expertise with South Asian countries through training programs for healthcare professionals. This exchange of knowledge has been crucial in improving healthcare infrastructure and services in the region.
3. Vaccine Diplomacy: India’s role in manufacturing and distributing COVID-19 vaccines, like Covaxin and Covishield, has not only benefited South Asian countries but also garnered international praise. India’s vaccine diplomacy has strengthened its bonds with South Asian nations and contributed to global vaccine equity.

India’s Contributions to Healthcare in African Nations

Africa, like many other regions, faces a range of healthcare challenges, including infectious diseases, limited access to healthcare facilities, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. India has extended its support to African nations in several ways:

1. Pharmaceutical Exports: India is a significant supplier of affordable pharmaceuticals to African countries. These medicines help address a wide range of health issues, including HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
2. Telemedicine: India has introduced telemedicine programs to provide medical consultation and guidance to remote areas in African nations. This initiative has proven especially vital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Capacity Building: India has been actively involved in training healthcare professionals and providing scholarships to students from African countries to study medicine in India. This effort contributes to building a skilled healthcare workforce in the region.

G20 Declaration on Health and India’s Priorities

The G20 declaration on health has served as a pivotal framework for addressing global health challenges. India, as the host of the G20 summit, has played a vital role in shaping the priorities and outcomes of this declaration.

1. Resilient Health Systems: India’s priority to build resilient health systems for emergency prevention, preparedness, and response aligns with the pressing need for nations to be prepared for health emergencies, as demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborative efforts in information sharing, technology adoption, and capacity-building are essential components of building resilient health systems.
2. Pharmaceutical Cooperation: Ensuring equitable availability and access to vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics during a pandemic is a crucial priority for India. As the “pharmacy of the world,” India has a significant role in pharmaceutical production and distribution. Collaboration within the G20 to address so-called vaccine nationalism and supply chain disruptions is vital for global health equity.
3. Digital Health Transformation: India’s commitment to launching a repository of scalable digital health platforms is a transformative step towards revolutionizing healthcare. Digital health platforms can improve healthcare access, data sharing, and telemedicine, making healthcare services more accessible and efficient. This initiative holds great potential for enhancing global healthcare systems.

One Health Approach and Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance

The G20 declaration emphasised the importance of a One Health approach, where diseases in animals, plants, and humans are tracked using the same mechanism. This approach is pivotal in recognizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the role they play in disease transmission. India, with its diverse landscapes and challenges, understands the significance of this approach, especially in addressing zoonotic diseases.

Tackling antimicrobial resistance is another crucial item in the declaration. India’s vast pharmaceutical industry has a role to play in ensuring responsible use of antimicrobials and promoting research into novel antibiotics. This aligns with the global effort to combat the growing threat of drug-resistant infections.

Strengthening Primary Healthcare and Essential Services

The G20 declaration places a strong emphasis on strengthening primary healthcare, health workforce, and essential health services to raise it to higher-than-pre-pandemic levels within the next two to three years. India’s vast network of primary healthcare centers, community health workers, and telemedicine initiatives can serve as models for other nations. By sharing best practices and collaborating on workforce training, India can contribute to achieving this goal.

Research on Long COVID

Recognising the importance of research on long COVID and on the suspected effects of mRNA vaccines on health is a significant step towards understanding and managing the long-term effects of the pandemic. India’s extensive medical research infrastructure and capabilities can support international efforts to understand the consequences of long COVID, leading to better diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Conclusion

India’s role in the healthcare industry is multifaceted, extending beyond its domestic boundaries. The nation’s contributions to the West Asian, South Asian, and African nations have been instrumental in improving healthcare accessibility and quality. In addition, India’s alignment with the G20 declaration on health priorities and its commitment to digital health transformation holds immense promise for health equity and resilience. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, India’s proactive involvement in international sanitary and medical initiatives is likely to have a lasting impact on health outcomes worldwide.