From AI to Ayushman: BRICS Health Leaders Impressed by India's Healthcare Revolution

India's growing reputation as a leader in technology-driven and accessible healthcare was on full display as delegates attending the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting visited the Ayushman Arogya Mandir in Sector-39 and the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh on Friday.

The visit gave representatives from BRICS member nations and partner countries an opportunity to witness India's comprehensive healthcare model, which combines digital innovation with affordable and patient-centric medical services.

At the Ayushman Arogya Mandir, the delegation was introduced to several initiatives aimed at strengthening primary healthcare. These included teleconsultation services, paperless medical records, integrated digital health systems and model immunisation facilities. The delegates appreciated how technology is being used to make healthcare more efficient, transparent and accessible, particularly at the grassroots level.

Before visiting the health centre, the delegates toured PGIMER, where they were briefed on the institute's achievements in tertiary healthcare, medical education, research and innovation. PGIMER Director Prof Vivek Lal said the visitors were highly impressed by the hospital's patient care initiatives and its research capabilities. The delegation also learned about the Ayushman Bharat programme, which provides free treatment to millions of economically weaker patients, helping reduce the financial burden of healthcare across the country.

The visit was part of India's hosting of the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting, held in Chandigarh from July 22 to 24 under the country's BRICS Chairship 2026.

Economic Adviser in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Geetu Joshi said the participating nations had identified nine priority areas to strengthen health cooperation. She noted that healthy lifestyles and mental health, proposed by India, had emerged as key focus areas, reflecting the country's emphasis on preventive and people-centric healthcare.

More than 70 delegates attended the three-day meeting. Cuba's Ambassador Juan Carlos Marsan also underlined the strong partnership between India and Cuba in healthcare, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, while expressing interest in expanding collaboration in telemedicine and artificial intelligence to further improve medical services.