India Champions Global Health Equity at 78th World Health Assembly at Geneva

At the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, India reiterated its pledge to driving global health equity and universal health coverage. Led by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava and reiterated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India presented its national healthcare success stories and advocated for intensified global partnership, particularly for the Global South, under the banner "One World for Health".

 

Ayushman Bharat and Universal Health Coverage

India promoted the revolutionary role of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which has:

Health protection under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has been made available to all citizens aged more than 70 years irrespective of economic conditions.

 

India's Health Achievements Recognition

Elimination of Communicable Diseases

India rededicated itself to the elimination of a number of communicable diseases, including:

Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure and Workforce

The number of medical colleges in India has doubled from 387 to 780 in the past decade, significantly expanding the nation’s capacity to train healthcare professionals.

 

Advocacy for a Global Pandemic Agreement

Solidarity with the Global South

India took up the role as a vocal champion of developing countries, exchanging best practices and backing replicable, sustainable models of healthcare for the Global South.

 

Promotion of Holistic Health

Prime Minister Modi emphasized work like Jan Aushadhi Kendras (public pharmacies offering affordable medicines) and the international popularization of yoga for global and individual health.

 

Sources: The Indian Awaaz, Press Information Bureau (PIB), Babushahi, Adda247 Current Affairs, Ommcom News, NewsOnAir, DD News