On 27th September,2024 the G20 Joint Finance-Health Task Force (JFHTF) High-Level Meeting was held at the 79th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). India reaffirmed its strong commitment to improving social determinants of health at this meeting.
The main theme of the session was prioritizing investments in the health sector – advancing the development and implementation of debt-for-health swap arrangements and the role of social determinants of health.
India highlighted the success of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the world’s largest health insurance scheme (Rs. 5 Lakhs per family annually), providing comprehensive health coverage to millions. The scheme has not only improved access to tertiary and secondary healthcare but also enhanced health outcomes, particularly in non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, India explored the potential of debt-for-health swaps, a mechanism that could ease financial strain while investing in health equity. While noting the promising potential of this initiative, India acknowledged that further engagement with stakeholders and pilot programs at scale is necessary for its successful implementation.
Smt. Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, who was a lead speaker at the event, highlighted “the Role of Social Determinants of Health in Supporting Health Investments Priorities," and how leveraging debt-for-health swaps can directly address the social determinants of health.
During the event, Smt. Patel emphasized the significance of addressing core SDH factors such as housing, sanitation, water access, and income security—areas in which India has made considerable progress. The Indian delegation highlighted flagship programs such as Ayushman Bharat, Swatch Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission), Jal Jeevan Mission (Water for Life), and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Housing for All), which have brought transformative change across the country. She also underscored the crucial intersection of health and finance in mitigating the impact of future health emergencies and alleviating economic burdens.
Smt. Patel also emphasized the importance of data in driving effective health policies. She also stressed that improving data availability and design, particularly on cross-sectoral SDH indicators, is critical for policymakers to prioritize health investments that yield measurable results. She reiterated the need for standardization of data sources, ensuring that they are globally recognized and credible. “This will enable more accurate measurement of the impact of health investments, facilitate cross-sectoral analysis, and create a foundation for evidence-based policymaking”, she said.
As a leading voice on health issues in the G20, India expressed its gratitude to the Brazilian G20 Presidency and the Rockefeller Foundation for organizing the high-level event. The delegation reaffirmed India’s commitment to promoting health equity through evidence-based policymaking, global partnerships, and continued investments in social determinants of health.
India expressed its appreciation for the focus on SDH during the G20 meeting and reiterated its commitment to advancing health equity through strategic investments and data-driven policymaking advancing a shared vision of “Health for All”.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Shreya Dave/MSM)