India Highlights Progress on Universal Health Coverage, Hepatitis Elimination and Sickle Cell Care at UNGA81
India highlighted its public health achievements and universal health coverage initiatives at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) side events. Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava shared details on Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, digital health milestones, viral hepatitis elimination progress, and the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission.
Why It Matters
This is relevant for competitive exams covering Indian government schemes, public health initiatives, and international summits.
In Simple Words
India showcased its healthcare advancements at UNGA81 in New York, focusing on affordable and accessible healthcare. Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava shared how over 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and schemes like AB-PMJAY provide financial protection and primary care.
She also highlighted India's digital health growth with over 900 million unique health identities and 497 million e-Sanjeevani teleconsultations. Additionally, she discussed progress in eliminating viral hepatitis and the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission launched in 2023.
Key Points
- Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava participated in global health engagements at UNGA81 in New York.
- India has a network of over 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs providing diverse healthcare services.
- Over 900 million citizens have unique health identities in India's digital health ecosystem.
- More than 497 million teleconsultations have been facilitated through e-Sanjeevani.
- Nearly 225 million beneficiaries have been screened under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme since 2018.
- India co-hosted the launch of OneSCD: A Global Partnership to Advance Equity and Transform Sickle Cell Care.
- The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission was launched in 2023 with the goal of eliminating the disease by 2047.
- Under the Sickle Cell Mission, more than 7.29 crore people have been screened and over 4.93 crore Sickle Cell Cards distributed.
Exam Angle
A. 2023
Source: Press Information Bureau