On Tuesday, the World Health Organization South East Asia launched a Regional Forum for Primary Health Care (PHC)-Oriented Health Systems. In the press release, the WHO stressed that a PHC-oriented health system is the "most equitable and efficient approach" for universal health coverage and health security.

Further explaining the importance of the PHC, the statement pointed out that the system was designed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia, stated that amid the ongoing COVID-19 response and recovery, demands on health systems across the southeast region increased manifolds. As a result, these significant demands had to be met with resource constraints. Hence, it is important to accelerate transformation across the southeast region and do so in a manner that is coordinated, aligned with national priorities, and avoids duplication and fragmentation.

The press release noted that the strategy was launched in December 2021 and included 12 interdependent strategic actions. These actions were designed and framed to guide, support, and monitor PHC transformation in the region. Additionally, the press release added that the PHC forum will implement these strategies across the regions by facilitating implementation-focused knowledge and experience, strengthening collaboration with development, implementation, and research partners, and enabling joint advocacy for strengthened PHC investment in the region.