India renews health pledge at WHO Assembly

New Delhi

India spoke at the 78th World Health Assembly, reaffirming its strong commitment to global health equity under the theme One World for Health. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, leading the Indian delegation, congratulated new committee chairs and welcomed international cooperation for better health outcomes. She highlighted India’s major progress through programs like Ayushman Bharat, which has expanded healthcare access, improved infrastructure, and boosted digital health, moving the country closer to Universal Health Coverage.

Srivastava noted India’s achievements in maternal health, family planning, and reducing child mortality, recognized by global organizations such as the United Nations. She proudly announced that India is now certified as Trachoma-Free by WHO and is actively working to eliminate diseases like TB, Leprosy, and Kala-azar.

A key policy update shared was extending Ayushman Bharat’s health coverage to all citizens over 70, regardless of income. She also mentioned that medical colleges in India have more than doubled in the past decade to train healthcare professionals.

On global cooperation, Srivastava emphasized India’s support for a legal, binding Pandemic Treaty that ensures fair access to medicines, transparent data sharing, and technology transfer, especially benefiting developing countries. She concluded by praising WHO and member states for progress on the treaty and stressed the need for inclusive efforts to face future health challenges without leaving anyone behind.