On 20th May 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the 78th Session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva via videoconferencing, delivering a powerful message aligned with this year’s theme, ‘One World for Health’. Emphasizing India’s commitment to global health, he highlighted the importance of inclusion, integrated vision, and collaboration in building a healthier world, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.
India’s Health Reforms: A Model for the World
Ayushman Bharat and Beyond
PM Modi underscored Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest health insurance scheme, which now covers 580 million people and provides free treatment. Recently expanded on 20th May 2025 to include all Indians above 70 years, this initiative exemplifies India’s focus on inclusive healthcare. The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s network of health and wellness centers, which facilitate early screening for diseases like cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. Additionally, thousands of public pharmacies offer high-quality medicines at affordable prices, reducing financial burdens on citizens.
Technology Driving Healthcare
Digital Initiatives for Better Outcomes
India’s advancements in digital health were a key focus of the address. The digital platform tracking vaccinations for pregnant women and children, coupled with the unique digital health identity system, integrates benefits, insurance, and medical records seamlessly. PM Modi emphasized that telemedicine ensures no one is too far from a doctor, with India’s free telemedicine service enabling over 340 million consultations. These efforts have led to a significant decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure as a percentage of Total Health Expenditure, while Government Health Expenditure has risen considerably.
Supporting the Global South
Replicable and Sustainable Models
PM Modi stressed that the Global South faces unique health challenges, and India’s approach offers replicable, scalable, and sustainable models. He expressed India’s readiness to share its best practices and learnings, particularly with developing nations, to address global health disparities. This commitment reflects India’s vision of ensuring that “no one is left behind” in the pursuit of a healthy planet.
International Day of Yoga and Global Cooperation
Yoga for One Earth, One Health
Looking ahead to the 11th International Day of Yoga on 21st June 2025, PM Modi invited global participation, highlighting this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’. As the birthplace of Yoga, India continues to promote this ancient practice as a tool for physical and mental well-being worldwide. The Prime Minister also congratulated the World Health Organization (WHO) and member states for successfully negotiating the INB treaty, a shared commitment to combat future pandemics through global cooperation.
Event/Initiative | Date | Details |
---|---|---|
78th World Health Assembly Address | 20th May 2025 | PM Modi addressed the assembly via videoconferencing, focusing on ‘One World for Health.’ |
Ayushman Bharat Expansion | 20th May 2025 | Extended to cover all Indians above 70 years. |
International Day of Yoga | 21st June 2025 | 11th celebration with the theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health.’ |
INB Treaty | 20th May 2025 | Successful negotiations for global cooperation against pandemics. |
A Vision Rooted in Ancient Wisdom
A Prayer for Global Well-Being
Concluding his address, PM Modi invoked a Vedic prayer from thousands of years ago, reflecting India’s ancient vision of a world where all are healthy, happy, and free from disease. He expressed hope that this timeless wisdom would unite the global community in building a healthier future. India’s leadership in health reforms and global cooperation continues to inspire the world to work together for ‘One World for Health’.
Key Highlights
- PM Modi addressed the 78th World Health Assembly on 20th May 2025, emphasizing ‘One World for Health’.
- Ayushman Bharat covers 580 million people, expanded to include all above 70 years on 20th May 2025.
- India’s digital health initiatives, including telemedicine, have enabled 340 million consultations.
- India offers replicable and sustainable health models for the Global South.
- The 11th International Day of Yoga on 21st June 2025 promotes ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’.
- PM Modi congratulated WHO for the INB treaty, strengthening global pandemic preparedness.
- India’s health vision aligns with a Vedic prayer for universal health and happiness.