Speaking on the occasion, Dr Nata Menabde, WHO India representative, said, "If the government provides effective financing to deliver services to people in a responsive way, ensure fair regulation and provide the necessary manpower, the performance will dramatically improve regarding easier access to facilities, better quality of services and higher system efficiency. This will ultimately contribute towards improved population health."

Highlighting the need for Universal Health Coverage in India, Dr K Srinath Reddy, president, Public Health Foundation of India, said, "The journey towards a better healthcare system in India has begun with the Prime Minister announcing 12th Five Year Plan as the Plan for Health. The proposed increase in public expenditures on health from the current level of 1.2 percent of GDP to at least 2.5 percent by the end of the XII plan, and to at least three percent of GDP in the 13th Plan is a step closer towards realising the universal healthcare coverage 2022 vision that seeks to entitle universal health entitlement to every citizen, guarantee access to an essential health package and integrate health care delivery."