On the occasion of World Health Day 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to building a healthier, more resilient nation. “On World Health Day, we express gratitude to all those who work to make our planet healthier. Our Government will continue working to augment health infrastructure and ensure quality healthcare to the people,” the Prime Minister stated in the press release by the Health Ministry.
This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO), puts the spotlight on maternal and newborn health. The global campaign urges nations to eliminate preventable deaths and ensure long-term wellness for women and children.
India’s Health Mission in Action
Aligning with this global focus, India has made remarkable strides in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving outcomes, especially through flagship initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, the National Health Mission (NHM), and various maternal and child health programs.
Decline in Mortality Rates
- India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) dropped from 130 (2014–16) to 97 (2018–20), an impressive 83% decline since 1990 — nearly double the global rate of reduction (42%).
- Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) fell from 39 (2014) to 28 (2020), while Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) dropped from 26 to 20 in the same period.
- Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) was reduced from 45 to 32 between 2014 and 2020.
Boosting Maternal Health Through Targeted Interventions
Programs such as Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR), Anaemia Mukt Bharat, and digital platforms like the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) portal have improved maternal care, especially in remote and underserved areas. Initiatives like Birth Waiting Homes and Village Health, Sanitation & Nutrition Days (VHSNDs) further promote institutional deliveries and community health awareness.
Expanding Primary Care Access with Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
As of April 5, 2025, over 1.76 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Health & Wellness Centres) are functional across India, providing essential services such as hypertension and diabetes screenings — crossing 107 crore and 94 crore, respectively.
More than 5 crore wellness sessions, including yoga and meditation, have also been conducted at these centres to promote preventive health.
Digital Health Revolution
Under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM):
- Over 76 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) have been created.
- More than 5.95 lakh healthcare professionals and 3.86 lakh facilities are verified on the platform.
- 52 crore health records are now digitally linked, enhancing data-driven care.
The U-WIN platform, dedicated to vaccine tracking for mothers and children, has recorded 29.22 crore vaccine doses across 1.32 crore sessions, covering nearly 8 crore beneficiaries.
eSanjeevani, India’s telemedicine platform, has revolutionized digital consultations, having served over 36 crore patients via 232,000+ providers.
Success in Disease Elimination
India’s public health efforts have paid off with the elimination of Trachoma and Kala-azar as public health threats. The country also exited WHO’s High-Burden to High-Impact malaria list in 2024 after reducing malaria cases by 69% since 2017.
In the battle against tuberculosis, the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme has reduced TB incidence by 17.7% since 2015, with significant reductions in deaths and “missing” cases.
Ayushman Bharat: Affordable Healthcare at Scale
Through PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana):
- 55 crore economically vulnerable Indians now have access to ₹5 lakh per family in annual health coverage.
- 40 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued.
- Over 8.5 crore hospital admissions have taken place.
- 31,846 hospitals (public and private) are empanelled.
The scheme now includes ASHA and Anganwadi workers, and has extended special coverage through Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards for senior citizens.
Mental Health Gets a Boost
India’s mental health infrastructure is also expanding. The Tele-MANAS programme, operational in 36 states/UTs, has handled over 20 lakh calls, offering 24×7 multilingual support. As per the Manoashraya Dashboard, around 440 Rehabilitation and Halfway Homes are currently functioning nationwide.
With consistent policy support, digital innovation, and robust outreach mechanisms, India is accelerating its journey toward Universal Health Coverage. Through comprehensive programs addressing maternal health, digital care, disease control, and mental well-being, the country is laying the foundation for a resilient and inclusive healthcare system.
