Union Health Minister J P Nadda Calls for Digital Health Cooperation at First BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting

Nadda highlighted India’s healthcare initiatives, including Ayushman Bharat, digital health programmes and eSanjeevani, and emphasised the importance of regional solidarity.

Union Health Minister J P Nadda has called for stronger regional collaboration in digital healthcare, health security and pandemic preparedness at the First BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

He has highlighted India’s progress towards Universal Health Coverage and reaffirmed its readiness to share healthcare expertise and best practices with member nations.

BIMSTEC, or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, was established in 1997 to strengthen cooperation among seven countries: India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Public health is one of its areas of regional collaboration, with member states working towards shared priorities in healthcare delivery, disease surveillance and health system preparedness.

During the First BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting on November 11, 2026, Nadda highlighted India’s healthcare initiatives, including Ayushman Bharat, digital health programmes and eSanjeevani.

Emphasising the importance of regional solidarity, the Union Health Minister called for greater cooperation in pandemic preparedness, health security and the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnections between human, animal and environmental health.

Collaboration in these areas can support information sharing, coordinated responses to public health threats and stronger preparedness across the region.

Nadda also reaffirmed India’s commitment to sharing its experience in primary healthcare, digital health and public health infrastructure with BIMSTEC partners.

“Guided by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji's vision of Neighbourhood First and Act East, India remains committed to building a healthier, more resilient and prosperous BIMSTEC region,” Nadda stated on X.

Greater knowledge exchange could help member countries explore approaches suited to their healthcare systems and populations, particularly in improving access to essential services and strengthening health system resilience.

Traditional medicine was another area of cooperation highlighted during the meeting. Nadda reiterated India’s commitment to hosting the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Traditional Medicine at the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar, Gujarat.

The proposed centre is intended to support collaborative research, capacity building and knowledge exchange among member countries.

The First BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting offers member countries an opportunity to strengthen health partnerships and identify shared priorities.

For digital health, closer regional engagement could create avenues to exchange implementation experience, build technical capacity, and explore collaborative approaches to accessible, affordable, and resilient healthcare across the Bay of Bengal region.

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