The first meeting of the Joint Finance and Health Task Force (JFHTF) under India’s G20 presidency was held in virtual mode on Tuesday, co-chaired by Italy and Indonesia. The meeting was attended by finance and health representatives of the G20 and invited countries as well as international organizations
This marks the beginning of work on a draft plan prepared by the task force around India’s global health priorities for 2023.
India listed several concerns as its priorities for the G20 Presidency. The list includes health emergencies, prevention and preparedness, and response; Strengthen cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector with a focus on the availability and access to safe, effective and affordable medical countermeasures; and digital health innovations and solutions to aid universal health coverage.
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An official statement on the meeting said, “The Task Force Secretariat worked with the Indian President and Co-Chairs Italy and Indonesia to draft a plan of action for 2023 and beyond, which will be supported by the Indian President’s Global Health Initiative for 2023.” Was designed around priorities.”
The action plan was presented for adoption during the meeting, the statement said.
The Bali leaders’ Declaration 2022 extended the task force’s mandate to “continue cooperation between the Ministries of Finance and Health for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response”, the release said.
The meeting discussed the mandate specified by the declaration of the Balinese leaders, it said.
The press release further states that the members committed to contribute to strengthening the global health architecture for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, and to work with the Secretariat and co-chairs to achieve deliverables for 2023. Committed to the mandate.
India is currently chairing the G20 summit for the year 2023 after Indonesia handed over the presidency to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the conclusion of the Bali summit earlier this month.
Click to read press release
(With PTI inputs)
