WHO praises India for advancements in universal health coverage, Ayushman Bharat Scheme

The World Health Organization on Saturday praised India for taking steps in advancing Universal Health Coverage and the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which is the world's largest health assurance initiative.

While participating in the inaugural ceremony of the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he visited a Health and Wellness Centre (HWC) in Gandhinagar and was left impressed by the primary healthcare services being provided to 1000 households by the HWC.

His remarks came in the backdrop of his two-day trip to attend the Traditional Medicine Global Summit in the state capital.

The WHO Director-General also said he commends the telemedicine services being provided in Gandhinagar, which provides prescriptions and treatment locally.

He described the initiative as an "excellent example of transforming healthcare."

Ghebreyesus also thanked India's G20 Presidency for taking leadership in the Global Digital Health Initiative which will be launched tomorrow.

He also said over three lakh online medical consultations are happening through the Sanjeevani platform as India is moving forward in the digital sector.

The Minister further said the government is working on a Universal Immunisation initiative where citizens’ records will be created for seamless functioning.

Notably, the WHO’s comments have come ahead of the G20 Summit in Delhi in September, where world leaders and member countries will participate.