Rising Role of India in Global health Governance

Context 

With changes to the International Health Regulations and the continuation of talks for a Pandemic Treaty, the recent World Health Assembly signaled a major advancement in the governance of global health. The treaty’s adoption is still up in the air, though.

The main source of conflict is the sharing of diseases and associated benefits; developing nations want fair access to diagnostics and vaccinations made from their genetic resources. To safeguard its interests in these negotiations, India, a significant actor in global health, needs to participate actively.

Lack of Global Census on the Pandemic Treaty

• Equity Access – The question of fair access to medications, treatments, and diagnostics during pandemics is at the center of the dispute. While high-income nations are reluctant to join such legally binding agreements, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are demanding assured access to a large share (at least 20%) of these resources.
• Intellectual Property Rights and Property Transfers – The management of technology transfer and intellectual property (IP) rights is a significant area of disagreement. LMICs are pushing for policies that would ease the transfer of technology and expertise to support domestic manufacturing of vaccines and medical supplies.
• Financing and Resource Allocation – The best way to finance pandemic planning and response is a hot topic of discussion, particularly in environments with limited resources. LMICs make the case that wealthy countries should dedicate significant, ongoing financial resources to the development and upkeep of strong health systems. High-income nations recognize the need for assistance but are wary of making indiscriminate financial commitments.
• Sovereignty and National Autonomy – Potential violations of national sovereignty worry a lot of nations. This is especially clear when debating the jurisdiction of the World Health Organization (WHO) in medical emergencies.
• One Health Approach – Reactions to the implementation of the One Health approach—which acknowledges the relationship between environmental, animal, and human health—have been conflicting. This comprehensive strategy is well-supported by many high-income nations, while other LMICs see it as an extra pressure on their already limited resources.
• Geopolitical Tensions – Deeper geopolitical conflicts and a lack of trust between states lie at the root of these technical problems. The Covid-19 epidemic, historical injustices in the regulation of global health, and the emergence of bioterrorism have strengthened north-south divides and stoked mistrust. 

India’s Role in Global Healthcare Efforts

• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing – India should concentrate on developing and modernizing its pharmaceutical production capacities in order to guarantee a steady supply of reasonably priced medications and vaccines around the world. Putting money into R&D will be essential to advance from generics to innovative drug discoveries in the pharmaceutical value chain.
• Digital Health and Telemedicine – India can establish itself as a pioneer in health technology by making the most of its digital health efforts, especially the National Digital Health Mission. To further cement this leadership, developing nations should pool their knowledge of creating and executing large-scale digital health systems. 
• Traditional Medicine and Integrative Healthcare – India ought to support the integration of evidence-based research in ancient medical systems, such as Ayurveda, with contemporary healthcare. India may become a recognized leader in this area by spearheading international efforts to standardize and regulate practices related to traditional medicine.
• Affordable Healthcare Models – India must actively engage the international world in exchanging best practices from the implementation of expansive health insurance programs such as Ayushman Bharat. India may become a global leader in accessible healthcare by promoting cutting-edge, inexpensive medical technology and healthcare delivery models.
• Global Health Security – India should take advantage of its capacity to produce vaccines and its knowledge of handling infectious diseases to assume a leading role in ensuring the security of world health. It will be essential to contribute to international disease surveillance networks and early warning systems.
• Promoting Research and Clinical Trials – India could use its sizable and diversified population to advance moral and welcoming clinical trial procedures. India has the potential to become a major participant in international health research by spearheading studies on diseases common in the Global South.

Way Forward

To move forward, it is crucial for India to actively engage in the ongoing negotiations for the Pandemic Treaty, advocating for equitable access to diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines derived from genetic resources. By leveraging its strengths in pharmaceutical manufacturing, digital health, and traditional medicine, India can play a pivotal role in shaping global health policies. Additionally, fostering international collaborations, investing in research and development, and promoting affordable healthcare models will be essential for India to ensure its interests are safeguarded and to contribute significantly to global health security and equity.

SOURCE: The Hindu

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