Wed May 21 11:42:37 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**India Reaffirms Commitment to Global Health Equity at World Health Assembly**
**New Delhi – May 21, 2025** – India reiterated its dedication to global health equity at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, on Wednesday. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, representing the Indian delegation, addressed the plenary session under the theme “One World for Health,” emphasizing India’s commitment to inclusive and universal health coverage.
Srivastava highlighted the progress made through flagship initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, which has significantly expanded access to comprehensive healthcare across India. She noted the program’s success in improving infrastructure, providing financial protection for treatments, and accelerating the adoption of digital health technologies.
India’s achievements in maternal health, family planning, and reducing childhood mortality were also lauded, with Srivastava pointing out recognition from global bodies such as the United Nations Population Fund. She proudly announced India’s recent certification as Trachoma-Free by the WHO, outlining the nation’s ongoing efforts to eliminate other diseases, including TB, Leprosy, and Measles.
In a major policy development, India has extended health coverage under Ayushman Bharat to all citizens over 70, regardless of their economic status. The country has also doubled the number of medical colleges in the past decade to address workforce needs.
Srivastava emphasized India’s strong support for a legally binding framework that enhances global cooperation in pandemic preparedness, stressing the need for equitable access to medical countermeasures, timely data sharing, and technology transfer to the Global South. She congratulated the WHO and member states on the progress toward advancing the Pandemic Treaty, urging a continued commitment to leaving no one behind in future health challenges.
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