Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda reaffirmed India’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage, digital health innovation and global health solidarity at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

Addressing the Assembly yesterday on the theme “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility”, Mr Nadda highlighted India’s progress towards Universal Health Coverage, anchored in a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

The Health Minister informed the global gathering that India has operationalised over 1.85 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandir centres across the country, delivering comprehensive primary healthcare services at the community level. He also said that the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is strengthening India’s national digital health ecosystem by creating over 880 million unique digital health identities, facilitating longitudinal health records and a seamless continuum of care.

On the sidelines of the Assembly, Mr Nadda met Bhutan’s Health Minister Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk and reaffirmed India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. The leaders highlighted the strong and multifaceted partnership between the two countries. In a social media post, the Health Ministry said India expressed willingness to share best practices in digital health, including telemedicine, and discussed access to affordable medicines through possible Jan Aushadhi Kendra outlets in Bhutan.

Mr Nadda also held a bilateral meeting with Nepal’s Health Minister Neesha Mehta and congratulated her on assuming office. The two leaders recalled the deep-rooted civilisational and cultural ties between India and Nepal and expressed confidence in further strengthening their longstanding partnership.