The adoption of the 16th Brics health ministers’ declaration, committing the bloc to deeper cooperation in health care, builds on an earlier pledge by member states to work collectively towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC). He noted India’s experience had shown resilient health systems and equitable health care access to be essential pillars of sustainable development. Russia has a state-backed mandatory health insurance model built around an extensive public health care network, while China has achieved near-universal basic health coverage through government-supported insurance schemes. The World Bank has observed that though health system reform features prominently on the policy agenda of the original Brics countries, health care spending remains relatively modest. The Brics declaration recognises cooperation in targeted areas including disease control, digital health, medical research, traditional medicine and pandemic preparedness.