स्वास्थ्य मंत्री Nadda ने 79वें WHA पर भारत की UHC, डिजिटल स्वास्थ्य और AI पर ज़ोर दिया

<h3>Overview</h3> <p>On 19 May 2026, <strong>Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda</strong> addressed the plenary of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="World Health Assembly – the decision‑making body of the World Health Organization where health ministers discuss global health policies (GS4: International Relations)">World Health Assembly</span> (79th session) in Geneva. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to <span class="key-term" data-definition="Universal Health Coverage – a health system where all people obtain needed services without financial hardship; a key GS3 priority for social sector development">Universal Health Coverage</span> (UHC), digital health innovation and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>India has set up over <strong>1,85,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs</strong> to deliver primary health services close to communities.</li> <li>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission – a government programme that creates digital health IDs and links health records, strengthening the national health ecosystem (GS3: Health & Welfare)">Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission</span> now boasts more than <strong>880 million unique digital health identities</strong>, enabling seamless continuity of care.</li> <li>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana – the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance scheme covering around 600 million vulnerable Indians (GS3: Health & Welfare)">Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana</span> continues to provide cash‑less treatment to the poorest.</li> <li>India launched a national <span class="key-term" data-definition="Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare – a policy framework guiding ethical, human‑centred AI applications in health services (GS3: Technology & Innovation)">Strategy for AI in Healthcare</span>, emphasizing ethical and human‑centric design.</li> <li>Under the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Vaccine Maitri – India’s diplomatic initiative to supply affordable vaccines to other countries, showcasing health diplomacy (GS4: International Relations)">Vaccine Maitri</span>, India exported nearly <strong>300 million vaccine doses</strong> to about <strong>100 countries</strong> during the COVID‑19 pandemic.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>The minister highlighted that the digital mission’s 880 million health IDs will create longitudinal records, reducing duplication and improving patient tracking. The 1,85,000 <strong>Ayushman Arogya Mandirs</strong> are intended to bring primary care within a 5‑km radius of most villages. The health insurance scheme now covers roughly <strong>600 million beneficiaries</strong>, making it the largest public health assurance programme globally.</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>These initiatives illustrate the Indian government's "whole‑of‑government" and "whole‑of‑society" appr