Over 70 delegates from BRICS nations and their partner countries recently adopted a new declaration to enhance global healthcare cooperation. Reached during a summit at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, India, the agreement outlines nine crucial areas focused on modernizing medical access, advancing joint research, and elevating overall public health.

Among the primary initiatives are two distinct programs proposed by India. The first is a healthy lifestyle mission aimed at combating obesity and other non-communicable diseases, while the second focuses on mental wellness by establishing a collaborative network of centers of excellence across member states. The coalition also agreed to prioritize pandemic preparedness, the fight against tuberculosis, and stronger coordination among their respective national public health institutions.

Technological advancement remains a significant focus of the new agreement. The nations are emphasizing digital health, the regulation of medical products, and the development of nuclear medicine to expand access to cutting-edge treatments and collaborative research. Furthermore, alongside the promotion of traditional medicine, bilateral collaborations are expanding. For example, India and Cuba announced intentions to deepen their joint efforts in telemedicine, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and the integration of artificial intelligence within the medical field.

During the event, delegates were presented with the successes of India's Ayushman Bharat program, which provides citizens with universal access to complex medical procedures like organ transplants, cancer care, and cardiac surgery. Ultimately, the collaborative goals established at the summit reflect the overarching theme of India's 2026 BRICS Chairship, which is centered on building for resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, ANI &TV BRICS reported.