Statement by India
at the 35th Human Rights Council on Agenda Item 3: Panel discussion on realizing the right to health by enhancing capacity building in public health, delivered by Dr. Sumit Seth, First Secretary on 8 June 2017
Mr. President,
We thank the panelists for their insightful presentations on this important issue.
2. India has adopted a new National Health Policy in March 2017, which is aligned with the SDG-3. The Policy lays down the roadmap for various milestones and targets. A new National SDG-3 Task Force has been set up to achieve these health-related goals.
3. India is committed to achieving Universal Health Coverage. We acknowledge that health and wellbeing are quintessential for happier societies, economic growth and sustainable development. Health systems strengthening and capacity building in Public Health are at the core of India’s new Health Policy. Providing universal, comprehensive primary health care through Health and Wellness Centres has been identified as non-negotiable strategies towards universal health coverage. We plan to provide essential medicines & diagnostics free of cost in public health facilities.
4. There is an ever-increasing stress on quality improvement in public health service delivery. We are confident that India would be able to achieve the 9 targets under SDG 3 relating to health & well-being for all - at all ages.
Mr. President,
5. Diseases do not recognize political boundaries. The world cannot succeed on public health agenda unless we work together collaboratively with equitable technical and financial support from all quarters. We are confident that today’s deliberations and exchange of experiences will contribute towards realizing the much-cherished goal of health for all.
I thank you.
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