India hosts BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting to strengthen cooperation in global healthcare

India hosts the 16th BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting in Chandigarh as part of its 2026 BRICS Сhairship. The meeting was held under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability", according to ANI, a partner of TV BRICS.

The event brought together health ministers, heads of delegation, senior officials and public health experts from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia to discuss joint approaches to strengthening healthcare systems.

Participants focused on key areas including health security, digital health, access to affordable medicines, medical innovation, traditional medicine and the development of resilient healthcare infrastructure.

India presented several initiatives, including the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles and the BRICS Roadmap for Joint Initiative on Healthy Lifestyle Promotion (2026–2029), aimed at encouraging healthy diets, physical activity, the preservation of traditional food cultures and evidence-based approaches to behaviour across BRICS countries. The country also proposed expanding cooperation in mental health and wellbeing.

During the meeting, India’s Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda highlighted the importance of collective action among BRICS nations. He noted that cooperation within the group can contribute to strengthening public health systems, expanding digital healthcare solutions and improving access to medical services. He added that India’s experience has demonstrated the importance of resilient health systems and equitable access to healthcare as key elements of sustainable development, according to the Press Information Bureau of the Government of India.

"Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has undertaken transformative reforms to strengthen its healthcare system through people-centric policies, expanded healthcare access, digital public infrastructure and enhanced service delivery," the minister noted.

A key outcome of the meeting was the adoption of the 16th BRICS Health Ministers’ Declaration. The document reaffirmed the commitment of member countries to advancing Universal Health Coverage, promoting digital transformation in healthcare, supporting joint research and ensuring wider access to medicines, vaccines and medical technologies.