Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Director General - Indian Council of Medical Research and Secretary, Health Research in the Union Health Ministry has been appointed as the new Deputy Director General (Programmes) in the World Health Organization. She will hold the number two position in WHO after the Director General. In her first interview after the announcement, Dr Swaminathan talks to Maitri Porecha about what this development means for India.
Your appointment to the World Health Organization (WHO) will usher in new responsibilities. Can you tell us more about your role?
It is for the first time that an Indian has been appointed to a highly senior position in the World Health Organization (WHO). The new Director General of World Health Organization, Dr Tedros has chosen a varied team. It has a high representation of women, and each member hails from a different country. I will be working in close co-ordination with the DG to ensure the implementation of technical programmes of the WHO.
When would you be taking up the new assignment?
I believe the transition will take a few months. I have to seek formal clearances from the Union Health Ministry before shifting base to the WHO Headquarters in Geneva. It will be a long haul lasting a few years.
What are the major challenges in health and allied fields that India needs to tackle?
Our biggest challenge is the burgeoning population and unequal distribution of health coverage in states. While states in the south have already achieved parameters similar to European countries, there are also extreme contrasts in the way, other states have not achieved health coverage. The question to address is that of decentralized planning at the district level. As also the provision of human resources, and what can we manage without doctors in certain areas, by training other health care providers. And ofcourse, issues of air pollution, access to sanitation and water remain.
Where does India stand internationally in the global health scenario?
India’s position in the global health scenario is not good at the moment. Even when compared to the BRICS group of countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China) we have a higher burden of disease. We have quite a lot to do. While Tuberculosis and Malaria remain our challenges, we have a double burden of surging non-communicable diseases to tackle.
According to a Lancet study, while deaths due to most causes have reduced, those attributed to low birth weight have spiked. What do we need to do to overcome this?
Low birth weight is an inter-generational issue. We need to focus more on our women and adolescents. A stunted mother will give rise to a stunted child. It will take an entire generation to reverse this trend.
You have been in public health service for a long time in the country. What does it mean for India to have an Indian in such an influential position at WHO? Do you feel you will be able to address Indian problems better at WHO?
As an Indian, India will always remain at the back of my mind while addressing public health issues. However, it will be a huge learning experience for me to observe ideal practices of other countries. Public health does involve trial and error, and that is where international exposure and learning will help avoid repetition of mistakes. We need to give suggestions for best practices in our country. India plays such a huge role in the global health scene as a spike or a plummet in Indian health figures majorly affects the balance in the view of global health.
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