The gathering aimed to strategize on strengthening public health infrastructure and preparedness for future pandemics and health outbreaks, with a particular focus on the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission and addressing critical gaps in health research and surveillance systems.
In a significant gathering, the consultative parliamentary committee on Health and Family Welfare convened to discuss strategies aimed at bolstering public health infrastructure and ensuring an effective response to potential future pandemics and health outbreaks. Chaired by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the meeting took place in Dehradun and was attended by Minister of State for Health S P Baghel, Bharati Pravin Pawar, and various committee members.
The committee meeting coincided with the commencement of the two-day Swasthya Chintan Shivir, the 15th Conference of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare, held in Dehradun. Central to the discussions were the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and strategies to enhance the public health infrastructure's resilience, as well as improve preparedness for future pandemics and outbreaks, according to a senior official from the Health Ministry.
Key areas of focus included addressing critical gaps in health infrastructure, surveillance systems, and health research across urban and rural areas. The meeting witnessed the participation of committee members, including prominent parliamentarians D P Vats, Faiyaz Ahmad, Jayanta Kumar Roy, Javed Ali Khan, Mohammad Jawed, and Bhola Singh. Notably, senior officials such as Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Health Ministry Sudhansh Pant, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research Dr. Rajiv Bahl, and others were also present during the meeting.