New Delhi, May 20 (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 78th World Health Assembly via videoconferencing, conveying warm greetings and emphasizing the theme ‘One World for Health,’ aligned with India’s vision for global health. He recalled his earlier address on ‘One Earth, One Health,’ noting that a healthier world relies on inclusion, collaboration, and an integrated approach. Modi highlighted the significance of inclusion in India’s health reforms, particularly the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the largest health insurance initiative globally, covering 580 million people and recently expanded to include all Indians over 70. He pointed out India’s extensive network of health and wellness centers aimed at early disease detection, and the role of public pharmacies in providing affordable medicines.

He discussed India’s technological advancements that enhance health outcomes, including a digital platform for tracking vaccinations and a unique health identity system that integrates benefits and information. The Prime Minister noted that telemedicine has facilitated over 340 million consultations, helping bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers. He emphasized a significant decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure in healthcare, along with an increase in Government Health Expenditure.

PM Modi stressed that the health of the world hinges on the care extended to the vulnerable, particularly in the Global South, and expressed India’s readiness to share its health strategies. He invited global participation in the upcoming 11th International Day of Yoga, themed ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health.’ He congratulated the WHO on the INB treaty negotiations, underscoring the need for global cooperation against pandemics and invoking a vision of a healthy, happy world rooted in ancient traditions.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar