Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the 78th Session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva via videoconferencing, reaffirming India’s commitment to a more inclusive, collaborative, and integrated approach to global health. Extending warm greetings to the delegates, he highlighted how the theme of this year’s assembly — “One World for Health” — echoes India’s own vision of “One Earth, One Health”.
In his address, the Prime Minister emphasized that the foundation of a healthy world lies in inclusion, an integrated vision, and global cooperation. “The health of the world depends on how well we care for the most vulnerable,” he said, noting that the Global South continues to bear a disproportionate share of global health challenges.
India’s Inclusive Health Model
Highlighting India’s transformative health reforms, PM Modi underlined the role of Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest health insurance scheme, which now covers over 580 million people and has been expanded to include all citizens above 70 years of age. He also drew attention to India’s extensive network of Health and Wellness Centres, which facilitate early screening for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.
The PM spoke about Jan Aushadhi Kendras, public pharmacies providing affordable, high-quality medicines, and stressed how India’s digital platforms are revolutionizing healthcare delivery. Notable initiatives include systems that track the vaccination of pregnant women and children, and Digital Health IDs that integrate patient records, insurance, and benefits. India’s telemedicine services, which have enabled more than 340 million consultations, ensure that “no one is too far from a doctor,” he remarked.
Leadership and Solidarity with the Global South
Underscoring India’s solidarity with the Global South, the Prime Minister stated that India’s healthcare models are not only effective but scalable, replicable, and sustainable. “India is happy to share its best practices and learnings with the world, particularly with countries of the Global South,” he said.
Promoting Wellness through Yoga
Looking ahead, PM Modi invited the world to join the celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga in June. The theme for this year, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” reflects a holistic view of planetary and personal well-being. The Prime Minister encouraged all nations to embrace yoga as a unifying force for global health.
Support for WHO Pandemic Treaty
The PM also congratulated the World Health Organization (WHO) and its member states on the successful negotiations of the INB Treaty, calling it a milestone in preparing for future pandemics through strengthened global cooperation. He reiterated the importance of a collective commitment to building a healthier, more resilient world.