By IANS,
New Delhi : President Pranab Mukherjee Tuesday said healthcare delivery systems in the southeast Asian region need to be based on the utilisation of domestic resources as far as possible.
It is important that the countries in the southeast Asian region strengthen their healthcare systems based on the primary healthcare approach and use domestic resources as far as possible, he said.
The president was speaking at the inaugural function of the 66th session of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) regional committee meeting here.
Mukherjee said strategic investments in medical education and training would be needed to enhance the availability of scientifically credible professionals for all communities.
“Existing inefficiencies in the supply chain and logistics management of drugs and vaccines should also be addressed on a priority basis,” he said.
The president said strengthening of institutional mechanisms for community participation in oversight and governance of health at multiple levels would also be crucial.
He added there was an urgent necessity to build a conducive environment to ensure the highest quality of health for the people of the region.
The WHO regional meet, being attended by health ministers of 11 southeast Asian countries, would discuss, among other things, high blood pressure and health issues related to ageing.