By NewsGram Staff Writer

During the Commonwealth Health Ministers meeting, Union Health Minister, J.P. Nadda, said that the investment in universal health coverage should be considered as an insightful investment for the future.

The meeting took place on 17 May 2015 in Geneva under the theme, universal health coverage, with an emphasis on "ageing and good health." The focus of universal health coverage is to ensure that people from all age groups receive the required health services without facing any financial hardship when paying for them.

A news agency reported J.P. Nadda as saying, "We believe that investment in universal health coverage, including for aged population, should be considered as a smart investment for future."

The minister also added, "India is committed to achieve universal health coverage for all age groups. It has charted a path that depends largely on provision of affordable, quality health care through the public health system as its main form of social protection, with supplementation from the private sector to close gaps."

As per the report, Nadda said that India has a comparatively young population with about 66 per cent of population below the age of 35 years.

"We are also cognizant of the potential challenge in the next three decades as this age group would move into the category of older people," he said.

While referring to solutions to tackle the challenge, the minister said that India is formulating new policies, including social, human and economic investments, to ensure healthy life-style among old generation.

"We are also encouraging public-private partnerships to improve investments and access to health services. Over 14,000 publicly financed ambulances are in position to shift over 100,000 emergencies daily on a completely cashless basis," concluded Nadda.