India addressed the plenary session of the 78th World Health Assembly today, reaffirming its commitment to global health equity under the theme “One World for Health.” Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava led the Indian delegation, congratulating newly elected committee chairs and advocating for strengthened global cooperation.
In her address, Srivastava highlighted India’s progress toward inclusive and universal healthcare, emphasizing the transformative impact of the Ayushman Bharat program. “Ayushman Bharat has significantly expanded access to healthcare, strengthened infrastructure, provided financial protection for advanced treatments, and accelerated digital health adoption—bringing us closer to Universal Health Coverage,” she noted.
Srivastava also spotlighted India’s advancements in maternal health, family planning, and reductions in childhood mortality and stillbirths, which have been recognized by international organizations such as the United Nations Population Fund and the UN Inter-Agency Group. She proudly announced that India has been certified as Trachoma-Free by the World Health Organization and is actively working to eliminate other diseases, including Tuberculosis, Leprosy, Lymphatic Filariasis, Measles, Rubella, and Kala-azar.
A key policy development, she noted, is the extension of health coverage under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to all citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income. She also mentioned that India has nearly doubled its number of medical colleges from 387 to 780 in the last decade, bolstering the country’s healthcare workforce.
Reiterating India’s support for a legally binding pandemic agreement, Srivastava stressed the need for equitable access to medical countermeasures, transparent data and pathogen sharing, and increased technology and capacity support for the Global South.
She concluded by commending WHO and member states for progress on the Pandemic Treaty, emphasizing India’s dedication to ensuring no one is left behind in future global health efforts.