Nadda Calls For Stronger Regional Healthcare Cooperation At BIMSTEC Meet

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda highlighted India’s healthcare achievements while addressing the first BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting in Colombo on Wednesday. He showcased initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, improved public health facilities and digital healthcare services aimed at expanding Universal Health Coverage.

Nadda stressed the need for stronger cooperation among BIMSTEC countries in pandemic preparedness, disease prevention, health security, the One Health approach and traditional medicine. He also reaffirmed India’s willingness to share its healthcare expertise with member nations.

The Minister announced India’s commitment to hosting the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Traditional Medicine at Jamnagar, Gujarat, to encourage joint research, training and knowledge sharing.

Established in 1997, BIMSTEC comprises seven nations—India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar and Thailand. Ahead of the ministerial meeting, senior officials held discussions in Colombo on November 10, 2026, focusing on disease surveillance, cancer treatment, traditional medicine and strengthening regional healthcare systems.