Geneva [Switzerland], May 21 (ANI): Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed his gratitude for India’s unwavering support and commitment to the WHO, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s virtual address at the 78th Session of the World Health Assembly (WHA78) on Tuesday.
Sharing a post on X, Ghebreyesus wrote, “Namaste, Prime Minister @narendramodi, for joining us virtually at a historic #WHA78 when the Pandemic Accord was adopted. We are grateful for India’s commitment and support to @WHO.”
During his address, PM Modi highlighted India’s extensive contributions to global health initiatives under the theme “One World for Health.” He spoke about the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the world’s largest health insurance program, which covers 580 million people and provides free treatment.
“The future of a healthy world depends on inclusion, integrated vision, and collaboration. Inclusion is at the core of India’s health reforms. We run Ayushman Bharat—the world’s largest health insurance scheme. It covers 580 million people and provides free treatment. This program was recently extended to cover all Indians above 70 years,” Modi stated.
He also congratulated the WHO and its member states for successfully negotiating the INB (Intergovernmental Negotiating Body) Treaty, which aims to enhance global preparedness for future pandemics through stronger international cooperation.
“I congratulate the WHO and all Member States on the successful negotiations of the INB Treaty. It is a shared commitment to fight future pandemics with greater cooperation while building a healthy planet. Let us ensure that no one is left behind,” PM Modi said.
The World Health Assembly unanimously adopted the world’s first Pandemic Agreement at WHA78. The agreement is designed to enhance global coordination and ensure equitable access to essential tools and resources during future pandemics, while also affirming the importance of respecting national sovereignty in public health decision-making.
In a press release, the WHO stated, “Member States of the World Health Organisation (WHO) today formally adopted by consensus the world’s first Pandemic Agreement. The landmark decision by the 78th World Health Assembly culminates more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and driven by the goal of making the world safer from—and more equitable in response to—future pandemics.”
(ANI)
About The Author
