By Ekta Purohit / Colombo: November 11, 2026
India has taken a major step towards strengthening regional healthcare cooperation as the first BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, unanimously adopted a Joint Ministerial Statement and the revised BIMSTEC Plan of Action on Public Health (2026–2030).
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda represented India at the historic meeting, which brought together representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
The five-year roadmap focuses on strengthening disease surveillance, pandemic preparedness, digital healthcare, antimicrobial resistance management, traditional medicine, One Health and healthcare workforce development.
India Offers Healthcare Expertise to BIMSTEC Countries
Addressing the meeting, Nadda highlighted India’s progress in expanding universal healthcare under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
He highlighted the establishment of over 1.85 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, coverage of more than 60 crore people under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and over 50 crore teleconsultations through eSanjeevani.
India also offered to share its expertise in primary healthcare, digital health systems and public health infrastructure with BIMSTEC member countries.
Jamnagar to Host Traditional Medicine Centre
In a significant announcement, India will host the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Traditional Medicine at the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar, Gujarat.
The centre will promote collaborative research, academic exchanges, capacity building and evidence-based traditional medicine practices across the region.
India Announces 100 Ambulances and 50 Health ATMs for Sri Lanka
On the sidelines of the meeting, Nadda held bilateral discussions with Sri Lankan Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.
The two countries exchanged an MoU for providing 100 additional fully equipped ambulances to Sri Lanka’s 1990 Suwa Seriya Emergency Ambulance Service. The project will receive Indian grant assistance of approximately US$5.28 million.
India also announced support worth up to Sri Lankan Rs 225 million for 50 Medical Kiosks/Health ATMs at Arogya Primary Health Centres. These facilities will offer diagnostic services integrated with telemedicine.
India and Nepal Discuss Healthcare Cooperation
Nadda also met Nepal’s Health and Food Safety Minister Neesha Mehta to discuss stronger bilateral healthcare partnerships, knowledge-sharing and improved access to affordable medical services.
He also interacted with the Indian diaspora in Colombo and highlighted India’s growing capabilities in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, digital innovation and medical research.
BIMSTEC Health Ministers to Meet Every Two Years
The Joint Ministerial Statement provides for Health Ministers’ and Senior Officials’ Meetings every two years. Thailand’s offer to host the second BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting in 2028 was welcomed.
Emphasising India’s commitment to inclusive regional healthcare development, Nadda stated, “No country should be left behind in its pursuit of better health outcomes.”
The meeting marks an important milestone in strengthening regional health security and building accessible, affordable and resilient healthcare systems across BIMSTEC nations.
