New Delhi, Oct 7: Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda spoke at the 77th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Southeast Asia Region, highlighting India’s dedication to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through a collaborative “whole of government” and “whole of society” strategy. He pointed out the success of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which has benefited over 120 million families by providing an annual hospitalization benefit of $6,000 per family.
The three-day session, which began in New Delhi on Monday, is being attended by health ministers and delegates from member countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste.
Nadda also expressed India’s support for the WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Centre, designed to enhance the global recognition of traditional health practices. He provided an update on the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, initiated in 2010, which has led to the creation of 753 NCD clinics, 356 Day Care Centers, and 6,238 Community Health Centers aimed at preventive care for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Additionally, Nadda was elected as Chairperson of the 77th Session of the WHO Southeast Asia Regional Committee, further establishing India’s influential role in regional health matters.
