Goa hosts second Health Working Group G20 meeting to address global health issues
Panaji, 16th April’ 2023: The stage is all set to host the second health working group G20 meeting in Goa which begins on April 17, Monday and concludes on April 19, Wednesday.
The first meeting of the G20 summit to take place in Goa is the Health Working Group, where participants will discuss health policies and initiatives. The summit is an important event, and this meeting of the Health Working Group could impact future global health policies significantly. The meeting will focus on key issues related to global health, including the need to strengthen health systems, improve access to essential medicines, and address the growing problem of non-communicable diseases.
Goa has been chosen as the venue for the second Health Working Group G20 meeting due to its strategic location and its well-developed healthcare infrastructure, including a number of hospitals, research centers, and medical colleges.
“I extend a warm welcome to the delegates of the G20 nations to our beautiful Goa. These meetings will be a breakthrough for change, development and new partnership among the nation’s with India, and Goa has a lot of potential to tap,” said Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant.
With preparations that began early December, the authorities are ready to host the first of eight meetings here in Goa at Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim.
All departments have worked closely to ensure that mandatory requirements are fulfilled and arrangements are made in accordance with the set guidelines.
There will be 180 delegates attending the Health working group, with 19 countries represented and a split between international delegates and those from India. Over the course of the three-day meeting, there will be four panel discussions and four formal sessions held.
“After months of preparations, we are ready to host the first meeting set to begin today. Adequate arrangements have been made and we have put our best foot forward to ensure a successful event,” said Chief Secretary of Goa, Dr.Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS
He added that preparations across verticals have been looked into thoroughly and Goa is all prepared to play host for the G20 meetings.
As safety and security are a priority, 770 security personnel have been deployed along with coastal security across the state. Goa Police will have close to 200 police in uniform and about 168 personnel from the security unit to monitor movements and track down any suspicious activity.
In order to ensure that hygiene levels are maintained without adulteration, the Food and Drugs Authority has issued a directives to all restaurants where delegates would be dining. For the same 13 persons have been deployed for food sampling and inspection of kitchens.
Approximately 120 staff of Goa State Fire Services will be on duty through the course of the meetings.
The local authorities have put in place 112 trained liaison officers who will bridge the gap between the organisers and authorities and the visiting delegations. They will take care of all their needs and concerns and be the point of contact through the course of the meetings.
Out of 89 vehicles required for logistics, 72 luxury cars will be used to transport delegates while electric buses will be used for other purposes.
Medical and emergency arrangements have been made at the airports and the resort. However, Goa Medical College has been kept as the back up hospital where a special green corridor will allow for hassle free transit of delegates who need medical attention. The Tertiary Care facilities have also been kept on standby for other medical treatment. 144 personnel comprising doctors, paramedic staff, and nurses will be stationed across the venues and airports along with 8 ambulances for emergency medical services. To ensure smooth transit to and fro airport and hotel 84 staff, including ushers to assist the delegates.
The first meeting in Goa is expected to contribute to the ongoing efforts to promote global health and boost global health systems. The meeting will provide a platform for policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to exchange ideas and collaborate on solutions to some of the most pressing health challenges facing the world today.
The Group of Twenty or G20, is the premier forum for international cooperation comprising of the world’s most-powerful 19 economies and the EU. The G20 group was established with the goal to solve major global issues which are related to the stability of International Finance, the international economy, migration due to changes in climatic conditions, and sustainable development. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Republic of South Africa, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of America, and the European Union (EU) form the G20 group. Representatives from guest countries and international organisations have also been invited to attend the Summit.
