Modi proposes South Asia readiness for medical emergencies
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 18th February proposed five measures to prepare countries in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, to cope with future medical emergencies. The measures included a special visa regime for medical personnel and technology-driven steps to counter pandemics. Modi delivered a video message to a virtual workshop on the theme “Covid-19 Management: Experience, good practices and way forward” organized by India for health officials and experts from the eight members of the SAARC and Mauritius and Seychelles. Representatives from Pakistan participated in a meeting organized by India after a long gap. Pakistan was part of a meet of SAARC leaders convened by Modi in March 2020 to forge a coordinated response to the Covid-19 pandemic. All the countries backed Modi`s suggestions. Modi suggested that the 10 countries should consider creating a special visa scheme for doctors and nurses so that medical personnel can travel quickly within the region during health emergencies. And, the civil aviation ministries should coordinate on a regional air ambulance agreement for medical contingencies. Modi suggested the countries share their successful public health policies and schemes. He said India`s Ayushman Bharat and Jan Arogya schemes could be case studies for the region. Modi added that the countries in the region met the challenges of Covid-19 with a coordinated response after “many experts voiced special concern about our densely populated region”. South Asia was among the first regions to come together in recognizing the threat and committing to fight it together.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 18th February proposed five measures to prepare countries in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, to cope with future medical emergencies. The measures included a special visa regime for medical personnel and technology-driven steps to counter pandemics. Modi delivered a video message to a virtual workshop on the theme “Covid-19 Management: Experience, good practices and way forward” organized by India for health officials and experts from the eight members of the SAARC and Mauritius and Seychelles. Representatives from Pakistan participated in a meeting organized by India after a long gap. Pakistan was part of a meet of SAARC leaders convened by Modi in March 2020 to forge a coordinated response to the Covid-19 pandemic. All the countries backed Modi`s suggestions. Modi suggested that the 10 countries should consider creating a special visa scheme for doctors and nurses so that medical personnel can travel quickly within the region during health emergencies. And, the civil aviation ministries should coordinate on a regional air ambulance agreement for medical contingencies. Modi suggested the countries share their successful public health policies and schemes. He said India`s Ayushman Bharat and Jan Arogya schemes could be case studies for the region. Modi added that the countries in the region met the challenges of Covid-19 with a coordinated response after “many experts voiced special concern about our densely populated region”. South Asia was among the first regions to come together in recognizing the threat and committing to fight it together.
