India Calls for Equitable Health Systems and Global Solidarity At WHO Assembly
Addressing the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva on Tuesday, India reaffirmed its commitment to universal health coverage and equitable access to healthcare , calling for a binding global framework that strengthens international cooperation while protecting national sovereignty. The intervention came under the Assembly’s central theme, “One World for Health.” Image Source: PIB India Delivering India’s national statement, Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava outlined the country’s expanding role in global health governance, highlighting key domestic achievements and underscoring the importance of inclusive, transparent, and equitable pandemic preparedness systems. India’s flagship initiative, Ayushman Bharat , took centre stage in the address. Srivastava noted that the scheme had expanded access to healthcare, improved infrastructure, enabled financial protection for critical treatments , and significantly accelerated digital health adoption . A recent policy expans...