Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 27: India's approach to healthcare extends beyond treating illnesses, focusing on promoting overall wellness, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Sunday. He emphasized that the country's vision includes physical fitness, mental well-being, family health, and a happier lifestyle for all citizens.
Addressing the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2025 in New Delhi, Goyal highlighted that while healthcare may not directly fall under his ministry, achieving universal health access is a collective responsibility shared by every citizen and leader. He underlined that this aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Speaking on the theme "Scaling Access to Ensure Health Equity," Goyal reiterated India's commitment to making healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone. He reflected on India’s significant role during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly through the "Vaccine Maitri" initiative, where nearly 300 million vaccine doses were supplied to countries, especially in Africa and other developing regions.
"While many nations prioritized their own needs, India chose to support humanity first," he remarked. Goyal also spoke about India's proactive measures to ensure the fair distribution of essential medicines, such as paracetamol and hydroxychloroquine, during the pandemic, preventing hoarding and price manipulation to maintain affordability.
Additionally, Goyal praised the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the world’s largest government-funded health assurance program, which currently provides free, quality healthcare to more than 62 crore Indians. He noted that the scheme represents India's broader healthcare strategy, focusing not only on curing diseases but also promoting wellness.
Linking health equity to India’s development goals, Goyal stated that a healthy population is essential for sustaining the nation’s growth as the world’s fastest-growing economy. He also emphasized that India’s young population, with an average age of just 28, is a key asset that could help propel the country to a $30-$40 trillion economy by 2047.