The 16th BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting concluded successfully in Chandigarh on Thursday under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026, with member countries unanimously adopting the 16th BRICS Health Ministerial Declaration aimed at strengthening cooperation on public health, health equity and resilient healthcare systems.
Held under India’s BRICS Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” the meeting brought together Health Ministers, Heads of Delegation, senior officials and public health experts from BRICS member countries to deliberate on shared public health priorities and reinforce collaboration in addressing emerging global health challenges.
Addressing the meeting virtually, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda said India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has undertaken transformative healthcare reforms through people-centric policies, expanded healthcare access, digital public infrastructure and improved service delivery.
He said India’s experience has demonstrated that resilient public health systems and equitable healthcare are essential for sustainable development and highlighted the growing importance of BRICS as a platform representing the Global South in shaping a more inclusive and equitable global health order.
The Minister stressed that infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, climate-related health risks and rapid technological advancements require stronger multilateral cooperation and institutional partnerships. Referring to India’s Chairship theme, he said the future of global health depends on building resilient health systems capable of responding effectively to emerging public health challenges.
Presenting India’s priorities under its BRICS Chairship, Nadda highlighted the importance of strengthening the BRICS Tuberculosis Research Network, noting that BRICS countries account for nearly half of the global tuberculosis burden. He said greater collaboration in research, innovation and equitable access to diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines would accelerate progress towards tuberculosis elimination.
The Minister also welcomed the release of the BRICS Good Practices (GxP) White Paper, describing it as an important step towards strengthening regulatory cooperation, harmonisation, capacity building and ensuring the quality, safety and efficacy of medical products.
To strengthen preparedness against future health emergencies, the meeting endorsed the establishment of a Sub-Working Group on the BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for Prevention and Response to Mass Infectious Diseases along with its Terms of Reference. The initiative is aimed at improving disease surveillance, information sharing and coordinated public health response among member countries.
Highlighting the role of technology in healthcare delivery, Nadda said India’s experience through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and the eSanjeevani telemedicine platform has demonstrated the transformative potential of digital public infrastructure in improving healthcare access, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
The meeting also marked the release of the BRICS Compendium on Digital Health Architecture for Continuum of Care, which is expected to serve as a knowledge resource for cooperation and exchange of best practices among member countries.
Recognising the growing burden of lifestyle-related diseases, the Ministers launched the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyle and endorsed the BRICS Roadmap for Joint Initiative on Healthy Lifestyle Promotion (2026-2029), focusing on healthy diets, physical activity, preservation of traditional food cultures and evidence-based behavioural change.
Mental health emerged as another major focus area during the meeting. India announced the establishment of the BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Mental Wellness, with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) serving as the coordinating centre. Member countries also endorsed the creation of a BRICS Training Hub Network to strengthen workforce capacity, promote collaborative research and support policy development in mental healthcare.
The Ministers also approved the Operational Framework to Fight Diseases Driven by Social Determinants of Health and the Operational Framework for the BRICS Network of National Public Health Institutes, both aimed at promoting health equity, scientific collaboration, evidence-based policymaking and technical cooperation.
Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) also featured prominently during the deliberations. Member countries supported the proposed establishment of a BRICS Expert Working Group on TCIM to facilitate research collaboration, knowledge sharing and exchange of best practices.
The meeting reaffirmed continued cooperation in nuclear medicine and support for the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Centre to strengthen collaborative research and improve equitable access to vaccines and other essential medical products.
A key outcome of the meeting was the unanimous adoption of the 16th BRICS Health Ministerial Declaration, which reaffirmed member countries’ commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage, strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, promoting digital health, enhancing regulatory cooperation, expanding collaborative research, addressing communicable and non-communicable diseases, promoting mental health and healthy lifestyles, strengthening traditional medicine and ensuring equitable access to affordable medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and medical technologies.
Health Ministers and Heads of Delegation from BRICS countries also presented national statements outlining their public health priorities and shared best practices. Delegations appreciated India’s leadership in advancing the BRICS Health Track and expressed support for initiatives including the BRICS TB Research Network, Integrated Early Warning System, Digital Health Architecture, Healthy Lifestyle Mission, Mental Wellness Network, National Public Health Institutes Network and efforts to address diseases driven by social determinants of health.
Delegates also visited exhibition pavilions set up by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), National Health Authority (NHA) and the Ministry of AYUSH, including a live millet session under the Eat Right India initiative showcasing India’s work in digital health, traditional medicine, food safety and healthy lifestyles.
Concluding the meeting, Nadda described the 16th BRICS Health Ministerial Declaration as more than a consensus document, saying it establishes enduring institutional mechanisms that will deepen cooperation among BRICS countries in the years ahead. Reaffirming India’s commitment to an inclusive and equitable global health architecture, he urged member nations to continue working together in the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” to build a healthier future for all.
