The Sixteenth BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting will take place in Chandigarh from 22 to 24 July, as announced by India, which holds the BRICS Chairship for 2026. This gathering aims to reinforce collaboration among the health ministers and senior officials from BRICS member nations in areas such as health security, digital health, pandemic preparedness, and equitable healthcare access.

Prior to the meeting, a press conference was held in Chandigarh featuring Punya Salila Srivastava, the Union Health Secretary, and Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush. They provided details on the meeting’s purpose, agenda, and expected outcomes, highlighting India’s commitment to prioritising global health issues during its tenure as chair.

According to Srivastava, the central theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” encapsulates India’s dedication to facilitating collective action on pressing health concerns globally. The meeting also aims to fortify partnerships to tackle crucial health challenges and improve outcomes across the BRICS nations.

Meeting Agenda and Expected Discussions

The agenda for the Sixteenth BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting includes discussions on various health topics such as pandemic preparedness, health security, and digital health. Furthermore, other critical subjects like traditional and complementary medicine, mental wellness, and resilient health systems will also be examined. A significant focus will be placed on achieving Universal Health Coverage and enhancing healthcare access across BRICS countries.

India’s role as host reflects its ongoing commitment to health collaboration among the BRICS nations. The meeting is expected to facilitate knowledge sharing and promote health priorities pertinent to the Global South, which comprises a diverse array of member countries.

This gathering will feature health ministers, senior officials, and technical experts from eleven BRICS nations: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. Together, these countries represent nearly half of the global population and about 40 per cent of the world’s GDP, emphasising BRICS’ influential role in global health affairs.

Key Events Scheduled During the Meeting

The meeting will initiate with a Senior Officials’ Meeting on 22 July, where health officials will focus on BRICS health priorities and work towards finalising a Ministerial Declaration. Following this, on 23 July, the Sixteenth BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting will convene, chaired by Jagat Prakash Nadda, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare. This session will feature in-depth discussions on significant public health challenges.

On 24 July, a high-level side event named “BRICS Dialogue: From Digital Health Records to AI-Enabled Healthcare” is planned to delve into the integration of digital health systems and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in healthcare to enhance continuity of care throughout BRICS nations.

In preparation for the meeting, India has carried out 26 technical meetings and consultations focusing on nine key health areas. These include initiatives like the BRICS TB Research Network and collaborations among medical regulatory authorities. The introduction of the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyle and the promotion of mental wellness highlights India’s proactive stance on preventive healthcare during this chairmanship.

The forthcoming meeting is anticipated to significantly advance health cooperation among BRICS countries, aimed at addressing global health challenges, enhancing healthcare access, and supporting the achievement of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals.

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