Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya addressed the 76th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for South-East Asia (SEARO) in New Delhi on 30 October 2023.

Mandaviya became the Chairman of the 76th session of the SEARO:

Along with Dr. Mandaviya, WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Ethiopia, now Eritrea) was also present virtually in the session. During this, Dr. Mandaviya was also unanimously elected Chairman of the 76th session of the Regional Committee for South-East Asia (SEARO).

Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers (AB-HWC):

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya lauded the progress of Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers (AB-HWCs) which have played a vital role in providing a wide range of primary health services.
More than 2,110 million people were enrolled in AB-HWC centers as of October 24, 2023.
AB-HWC has conducted 26 million wellness sessions involving more than 306 million people.

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and PM-ABHIM:

Initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) have strengthened the digital health framework and physical infrastructure to a great extent, thereby promoting revolutionary developments in health care delivery in the country.

Important facts related to the 76th session of the WHO-RC:

Referring to the WHO, SEARO building site, Dr. Mandaviya said that this building stands as a symbol of the collaborative effort of India and the World Health Organization to address global challenges.
Its objective is to ensure inclusive and equitable development of health services in the south-east region.
India has contributed Rs 239.5 crore as funds to facilitate the successful completion of this grand project provided to the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC).
It envisages a hub for collaboration to exchange knowledge, share best practices and develop innovative solutions among health professionals to address regional health challenges.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the attendees virtually. He said that the 76th session of WHO SEARO (Regional Office for South-East Asia) is being held at an important time for both the world and the region.
Dr Tedros highlighted that the South-East Asia region is home to more than a quarter of the world's population and has a huge disease burden to address.
Lauding the region's efforts to combat tuberculosis, he praised Dr. Mandaviya's leadership for his commitment to health for all.
Dr. Tedros said that 7 out of 11 member states in the Southeast Asia region have at least eliminated neglected tropical diseases.