Union MoS Prataprao Jadhav Presides BRICS CCI Healthcare Summit

News in Focus

• Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, presided over the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Healthcare Summit 2025.
• The summit focused on collaboration in healthcare, medical technology, traditional medicine, and pharmaceutical innovation among BRICS nations.

Key Highlights

1. Strengthening BRICS Healthcare Cooperation
   • Emphasis on public health partnerships among BRICS countries.
   • Promotion of affordable healthcare models and knowledge exchange in areas like telemedicine and AI in diagnostics.
2. Pharmaceutical & Vaccine Innovation
   • India reiterated its role as the “Pharmacy of the World”, especially after its vaccine diplomacy during COVID-19.
   • Discussion on joint R&D in vaccines, APIs, and generic medicines.
3. Traditional Medicine
   • Focus on integrating AYUSH systems of medicine into mainstream healthcare.
   • Exchange programs among BRICS nations for research in Ayurveda, Yoga, and herbal medicine.
4. Digital Health & Technology
   • Leveraging digital health platforms, e-health records, and AI for better healthcare delivery.
   • Collaboration on building resilient health systems for future pandemics.
5. India’s Leadership
   • India highlighted initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) as successful healthcare models.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper II (International Relations & Governance) – India’s role in BRICS cooperation.
• GS Paper III (Science & Technology, Health) – Digital health, vaccines, and pharmaceutical innovation.
• Essay/Ethics – Affordable healthcare, global health equity.

Possible UPSC Prelims Question

Q. With reference to the BRICS CCI Healthcare Summit 2025, consider the following statements:

1. It was presided over by the Union MoS for Health & Family Welfare.
2. The summit focused only on pharmaceutical manufacturing and exports.
3. Digital health and traditional medicine were among the key themes discussed.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Mains Question (GS-II/GS-III)

Q. “Healthcare cooperation within BRICS has immense potential to address global health challenges.” Discuss India’s role and initiatives in shaping the BRICS healthcare agenda.