At a recent conference held in the Colombian city of Cartagena, Aakash Shrivastava, a representative from India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, emphasized the Indian government’s unwavering commitment to improving the country’s health sector. Speaking to an audience of global health leaders and policy-makers, Shrivastava highlighted several key areas of focus, particularly the push for cleaner cooking energy in households across India.
Shrivastava stated that the government recognizes the significant health risks associated with traditional cooking methods that rely on biomass fuels, such as wood and coal. These practices have long been linked to respiratory illnesses, particularly among women and children who are most exposed to indoor air pollution.
“India is fully committed to promoting cleaner cooking energy alternatives, especially for vulnerable populations,” said Shrivastava. “Our goal is to reduce the health impact of household air pollution by providing access to modern, clean cooking technologies. This is essential to safeguarding the well-being of families and communities, particularly in rural areas.”
As part of India’s ongoing efforts, the government has launched several initiatives aimed at expanding the availability of clean cooking technologies like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), biogas, and electric cooking solutions. These measures are intended not only to improve public health but also to reduce the environmental impact of cooking practices, contributing to the country’s broader climate goals.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been working in close collaboration with other governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners to implement these changes. Aakash Shrivastava underlined that such partnerships are crucial for ensuring that these efforts reach the most vulnerable groups, who often face the greatest barriers to accessing clean energy.
The government’s push for cleaner cooking solutions is part of a larger commitment to improving overall health infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to health services for all citizens. As Shrivastava pointed out, ensuring that the most disadvantaged communities benefit from these advancements is central to India’s health policy.
Shrivastava’s remarks at the Cartagena conference are a part of India’s active participation in global discussions around health and sustainability, marking the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen both public health systems and environmental resilience. As the world faces increasingly complex health and environmental challenges, India’s approach aims to be a model for integrating health, energy, and sustainability in policy-making.
In conclusion, Aakash Shrivastava reaffirmed India’s dedication to a healthier and more sustainable future for its people, particularly the most vulnerable, by focusing on cleaner cooking energy and improving overall health systems across the nation.
