Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed a workshop on ‘Covid-19 Management: Experience, Good Practices and Way Forward’ with 10 neighbouring countries wherein he called for greater integration among South Asian and Indian Ocean island countries. The Prime minister also lauded the spirit of solidarity shown by the countries during the pandemic, while adding that it is important to maintain the same for further integration.
“Hopes of our region and the world are focus on rapid deployment of vaccines. In this too, we must maintain same cooperative and collaborative spirit. Over the past year, our health cooperation has achieved so much,” the PM said as he addressed a workshop on the ‘Covid-19 management’.
“If the 21st century is to be the Asian century, it cannot be without greater integration among the countries of South Asia and Indian Ocean island countries,” PM Modi added.
The Prime Minister also suggested a special visa scheme for doctors and nurses for quick travels despite borders during health emergencies. “Can we consider creating a special visa scheme for our doctors and nurses? So that they can travel quickly within our region during health emergencies on the request of the receiving country,” PM Modi said.
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, Seychelles and Sri Lanka were among the countries who attended the workshop.
The Prime Minister also commended the progress of region on covid-19 front as he said through openness and determination, the region has managed to achieve one of the lowest fatality rates in the world.
He further suggested other countries to take up India’s health scheme such as Aayushman Bharat to secure health insurance for everyone.
