On 21st May, 2025, India reaffirmed its dedication to global health equity at the 78th World Health Assembly, held under the theme “One World for Health”. Represented by Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, the Indian delegation highlighted the nation’s transformative strides in healthcare, particularly through the Ayushman Bharat initiative, and its commitment to eliminating major diseases.
Ayushman Bharat: Paving the Way for Universal Health Coverage
Transformative Healthcare Initiatives
Smt. Srivastava emphasized the impact of Ayushman Bharat, which has significantly expanded access to comprehensive healthcare. The program has improved healthcare infrastructure, provided financial protection for advanced treatments, and accelerated digital health adoption, laying the foundation for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Notably, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana now covers all citizens above 70 years of age, regardless of economic status, ensuring inclusivity in healthcare access.
India’s Achievements in Disease Elimination
Global Recognition and Ongoing Efforts
India’s efforts in maternal health, family planning, and reducing childhood mortality and stillbirths have been acknowledged by global bodies like the United Nations Population Fund and the UN Inter-Agency Group. On 21st May, 2025, Smt. Srivastava announced that India was recently certified Trachoma-Free by the World Health Organization (WHO). The nation remains committed to eliminating diseases such as TB, Leprosy, Lymphatic Filariasis, Measles, Rubella, and Kala-azar.
Strengthening Medical Education
Expansion of Medical Colleges
In a significant policy step, India has doubled the number of medical colleges from 387 to 780 over the past decade, enhancing the training of future healthcare professionals. This expansion strengthens the healthcare system by ensuring a steady supply of skilled doctors and medical staff, critical for achieving long-term health goals.
Advocacy for a Global Pandemic Agreement
Equitable and Collaborative Framework
Smt. Srivastava reiterated India’s support for a legally binding Pandemic Treaty that respects national sovereignty while promoting global cooperation. She emphasized that the agreement must ensure equitable access to medical countermeasures, transparent data sharing, and technology transfer, particularly for the Global South. This stance reflects India’s commitment to addressing future health challenges collaboratively and inclusively.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | 21st May, 2025 |
| Event | 78th World Health Assembly |
| Key Initiative | Ayushman Bharat for Universal Health Coverage |
| Disease Elimination | Trachoma-Free certification; focus on TB, Leprosy, etc. |
| Medical Colleges | Increased from 387 to 780 in a decade |
Relevance for Competitive Exams
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
For students preparing for competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, or State PSC, India’s participation in the 78th World Health Assembly is a crucial topic under global health, healthcare initiatives, and current affairs. Aspirants should focus on:
- The role of Ayushman Bharat in achieving Universal Health Coverage.
- India’s Trachoma-Free certification and efforts to eliminate diseases like TB and Kala-azar.
- The expansion of medical colleges to strengthen healthcare infrastructure.
- India’s advocacy for an equitable Pandemic Treaty for the Global South.
This development underscores India’s leadership in global health and sustainable healthcare policies.
Key Highlights
- India addressed the 78th World Health Assembly on 21st May, 2025, emphasizing global health equity.
- Ayushman Bharat has expanded comprehensive healthcare and supports Universal Health Coverage.
- India certified Trachoma-Free by WHO, with ongoing efforts to eliminate TB, Leprosy, and other diseases.
- Medical colleges doubled from 387 to 780 to train healthcare professionals.
- Relevant for competitive exams under global health, healthcare initiatives, and current affairs.