US Exit from WHO Won’t Impact India’s Health Programs: Nadda

Union Health Minister J P Nadda has assured that India’s ongoing health programs in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) will remain unaffected despite the United States’ recent decision to exit the global health body. Addressing a press conference on the progress of the National Health Mission (NHM), he emphasized India’s self-reliance in healthcare and its strong partnership with WHO, asserting that no disruptions will occur.

India’s Resilient Health Strategy

Nadda reiterated that India is not dependent on any single international entity for its healthcare initiatives. “Our projects and programs will continue. As far as health is concerned, we are not dependent on anybody,” he stated. India’s robust healthcare policies and financial commitment ensure stability in its medical initiatives, regardless of global political changes.

The health minister also highlighted that India is one of the significant contributors to WHO. This partnership, he noted, is based on mutual collaboration rather than dependency, and India will continue to engage in global health initiatives while strengthening its domestic healthcare framework.

Key Achievements Under NHM

Since 2014, India has seen remarkable advancements in healthcare under the NHM, with several new and strengthened initiatives. Some of the major achievements include:

1. National Sickle Cell Anaemia Mission: Launched to address the growing concern of sickle cell anemia, particularly in tribal areas.
2. Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP): Providing free dialysis services to patients with kidney-related issues.
3. National TB Elimination Programme: Aiming to eradicate tuberculosis in India through early detection and treatment.
4. Mission Indradhanush (MI): Strengthening immunization efforts across the country to combat preventable diseases.

According to Nadda, the central release under NHM has grown by 185% since 2014, showcasing the government’s commitment to healthcare development. The Union Budget, scheduled for release soon, is expected to further bolster financial support for health programs.

A Shift Towards Comprehensive Healthcare

The government has shifted its focus from curative healthcare to a more comprehensive approach, encompassing preventive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare services. This shift is evident in the rapid expansion of health initiatives such as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM), which witnessed a surge in annual footfall from 13.49 crore in 2019-20 to 121.03 crore in 2023-24.

Additionally, teleconsultation services have seen a significant rise, with figures increasing from 26 lakh consultations to 11.83 crore within the same period. The government’s Free Drugs and Diagnostics Service Initiative has been enhanced to ensure transparency in medicine availability, with mandatory public displays of drug stocks at healthcare institutions.

Impact of WHO Collaboration on India’s Health Sector

India has had a longstanding association with WHO, engaging in multiple collaborative projects to improve public health standards. Despite the US decision to exit WHO, Nadda assured that existing partnerships between India and WHO will continue seamlessly. WHO plays a crucial role in technical support, research collaborations, and policy advisories, but India has built enough capacity to sustain its health programs independently.

Expansion of Healthcare Services

One of the notable advancements in India’s healthcare landscape is the expansion of dialysis services under the PMNDP, which has benefited over 4.53 lakh patients in FY 2023-24. This initiative provides free dialysis to kidney patients, reducing financial burdens on families.

Another significant move by the government is the proposed rollout of the HPV vaccine against cervical cancer as a pilot project. Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava stated that the modalities and strategies for the vaccine rollout are being finalized. This initiative aims to reduce cervical cancer incidences in India, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.

Ensuring Future Healthcare Stability

The government’s proactive measures in expanding healthcare services indicate that India is well-prepared to handle any challenges arising from global policy shifts. Key factors ensuring stability include:

1. Financial Commitment: Increased budget allocations for healthcare programs.
2. Technological Advancements: Growth in telemedicine and digital healthcare solutions.
3. Public-Private Partnerships: Enhancing healthcare delivery through collaborations with private entities.
4. Stronger Policy Frameworks: Implementation of long-term strategies for disease prevention and health promotion.

The US decision to exit WHO will have no impact on India’s ongoing health programs, as assured by Health Minister J P Nadda. India’s self-reliance, growing healthcare infrastructure, and financial commitment ensure that critical health initiatives will continue uninterrupted. With strong collaborations, technological advancements, and policy-driven approaches, India is set to achieve further progress in the healthcare sector while maintaining its global leadership in public health initiatives.