India Reaffirms Leadership in Global Health at 78th World Health Assembly

May 21, 2025: India reiterated its unwavering commitment to global health equity and universal healthcare at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) during a plenary address under the unifying theme “One World for Health.”

Leading the Indian delegation, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava congratulated newly elected committee chairs and emphasized India’s eagerness for enhanced global dialogue and collaboration. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released a statement highlighting the nation’s strong representation on the international stage.

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Srivastava showcased the transformative impact of flagship health initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, which she noted has significantly improved healthcare accessibility, strengthened infrastructure, offered financial protection for advanced treatments, and accelerated the adoption of digital health — all critical components for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

She also spotlighted India’s public health successes, stating that achievements in maternal health, family planning, and reductions in childhood mortality and stillbirths have been internationally acknowledged by organizations such as the United Nations Population Fund and the UN Inter-Agency Group. Srivastava proudly shared that India has recently been certified as Trachoma-Free by the WHO and remains committed to eliminating TB, Leprosy, Lymphatic Filariasis, Measles, Rubella, and Kala-azar.

A landmark policy decision highlighted in her address was the extension of health insurance under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to all citizens over 70, regardless of economic background. She also noted India’s significant progress in medical education, having doubled the number of medical colleges from 387 to 780 over the past decade to bolster the future healthcare workforce.

Srivastava further emphasized India’s support for a legally binding Pandemic Agreement that fosters robust global cooperation while respecting national sovereignty. She stressed the need for the agreement to ensure equitable access to medical countermeasures, timely data and pathogen sharing, and technology and capacity building, particularly for nations in the Global South.

In closing, she congratulated WHO and its member states for the historic advancement of the Pandemic Treaty, calling for continued unity in addressing future health crises and reaffirming India’s resolve to ensure that no one is left behind.