India at 78th World Health Assembly

India, at the 78th World Health Assembly, reaffirmed the nation's evolving leadership in global health equity and policy.

Represented by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, India delivered a compelling address on the theme "One World for Health," showcasing the country’s proactive role in strengthening global health systems and its domestic achievements in public healthcare.

Key Highlights of India at 78th World Health Assembly

• India, at the 78th World Health Assembly, emphasized the country's unwavering commitment to global health equity through strategic international collaboration and policy leadership.

• The World Health Assembly 2025 India speech celebrated flagship programs like Ayushman Bharat, drawing attention to their global recognition.

• Punya Salila Srivastava’s World Health Assembly address applauded WHO’s contributions and underlined India’s commitment to inclusive, affordable healthcare access.

• The country's progress in maternal health, family planning, and childhood mortality reduction was acknowledged by international organizations, including the UN Population Fund and the UN Inter-Agency Group.

India’s Global Health Vision at WHA

At the core of India at the 78th World Health Assembly was the universal theme of "One World for Health," promoting equity in healthcare across borders.

Srivastava highlighted how Ayushman Bharat has provided financial protection for advanced treatments and improved healthcare infrastructure for millions.

 India's health on the global stage: India showcased its role as a responsible global health partner, calling for collective policy efforts.

The recent extension of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to all senior citizens aged 70+—regardless of economic status—was spotlighted as a critical step toward universal health coverage.

India's Healthcare Achievements Spotlighted at 78th WHA

During the session, India at the 78th World Health Assembly also emphasized the country's remarkable growth in healthcare education and disease eradication.

• Medical colleges have increased from 387 to 780 in just a decade, addressing the rising need for skilled healthcare professionals.

• India was declared trachoma-free by WHO and is actively working to eliminate TB, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, measles, rubella, and kala-azar.

India's public health achievements WHO: These milestones reinforce India’s commitment to WHO’s health goals and make India at the 78th World Health Assembly a notable event in global health diplomacy.

International Collaboration and Pandemic Preparedness

Another significant part of India at the 78th World Health Assembly was India's strong support for the proposed Pandemic Treaty.

• The Indian delegation called for a legally binding framework that upholds national sovereignty.

• Focus was placed on equitable access to medical resources, timely data sharing, and cooperation across borders.

• Emphasis was placed on technology transfer and capacity building for developing nations, especially the Global South.

India-WHO collaboration in 2025 and India's pandemic treaty support were reinforced through India's call for fairness and solidarity in future global health responses.

Why India at 78th WHA Matters for SSC Aspirants

For SSC aspirants, understanding the developments from India at the 78th World Health Assembly is crucial for the General Awareness, International Relations, and Current Affairs sections of the examination.

Important Takeaways from India at the 78th World Health Assembly:

• India reaffirmed its commitment to global health equity through multilateral forums.

• Ayushman Bharat continues to earn global praise for healthcare inclusion.

• Universal health access extended to senior citizens aged 70 and above.

• Strong backing of the Pandemic Treaty and cooperation with WHO.

• Expansion of medical education reflects long-term healthcare vision.

• Elimination of key diseases highlights India's proactive public health strategy.

Final Thoughts

India at the 78th World Health Assembly marks a defining moment in India’s journey toward global health leadership. With Punya Salila Srivastava’s World Health Assembly address, the country solidified its role in global forums, while domestically it continues to implement impactful health policies like Ayushman Bharat.

For aspirants preparing for SSC and other competitive exams, India at the 78th World Health Assembly serves as a relevant and timely example of how India combines soft power, diplomacy, and public policy to make a global impact in healthcare.