“Global Health Needs Inclusion, Collaboration,” says PM Modi at World Health Assembly

GG News Bureau
Geneva/New Delhi, 20th May: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 78th Session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva on Tuesday via videoconference, reiterating India’s commitment to a collaborative, inclusive and sustainable global health framework.

Referencing this year’s theme, “One World for Health,” PM Modi said it strongly aligns with India’s vision of “One Earth, One Health,” emphasizing that the future of a healthy world rests on inclusion, integrated thinking, and cooperation.

“Inclusion is central to India’s health reforms,” the Prime Minister said, citing the Ayushman Bharat scheme—the world’s largest health assurance programme—covering over 580 million citizens, now extended to include all Indians above 70 years. He highlighted India’s extensive healthcare infrastructure including health and wellness centers, affordable public pharmacies, and technological innovations such as digital health identities and vaccination tracking systems.

Underscoring the need to care for the most vulnerable, PM Modi stressed that the Global South faces disproportionate health challenges. “India offers replicable, scalable, and sustainable models,” he said, adding that the country is willing to share its experiences with the world.

The Prime Minister announced that this year’s International Day of Yoga, marking its 11th edition in June, will carry the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” and extended an open invitation to global participants.

Congratulating the WHO and member states on the conclusion of the INB treaty negotiations aimed at future pandemic preparedness, PM Modi called it a testament to shared global commitment. “While building a healthy planet, let us ensure that no one is left behind,” he urged.

He concluded with a Vedic invocation, recalling ancient Indian prayers for a world free from disease, and expressed hope that such a vision would continue to unite humanity.