India presented its progress on universal health coverage, hepatitis elimination and sickle cell disease control at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shared data on its major health schemes and digital health initiatives through presentations by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava at two separate global health events.
Key facts
- Over 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs operational across India
- 900 million plus citizens have unique health identities under digital health system
- 497 million teleconsultations completed through e-Sanjeevani platform
- Nearly 225 million people screened for viral hepatitis since 2018
- 1,039 hepatitis treatment centres established
- 7.29 crore people screened under National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission
- 20 lakh carriers identified and 2.5 lakh people diagnosed with sickle cell disease
- 4.93 crore Sickle Cell Cards distributed
- Sickle cell elimination target set for 2047
- Hepatitis B and C elimination target set for 2030
Universal health coverage framework
India emphasized its approach to making healthcare accessible and affordable through a multi-layered system. The Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, or Health and Wellness Centres, form the backbone of primary healthcare delivery at community level. These facilities provide reproductive and child health services, screening for chronic diseases, mental health support, elderly care, and preventive healthcare. They connect citizens to higher levels of care when needed through referral networks.
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a publicly funded health insurance scheme that protects vulnerable and economically weaker sections from financial hardship due to medical expenses. The government also supports access through the Free Drugs and Diagnostics Service Initiative and the Prime Minister’s National Dialysis Programme, both aimed at reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients.
Digital health and telemedicine expansion
India’s digital health ecosystem has become a key tool for extending services to remote areas. Over 900 million citizens now have Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) numbers, which serve as unique health identities. These digital registries link health facilities, healthcare workers and patient records, enabling continuity of care across different healthcare providers.
The e-Sanjeevani platform has facilitated more than 497 million teleconsultations, allowing patients to access doctors without visiting health facilities. The government has also deployed teleradiology services, artificial intelligence-enabled X-ray analysis and Mobile Medical Units to reach underserved populations.
Hepatitis elimination programme
India has committed to eliminating Hepatitis B and C as public health threats by 2030. The National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme, launched in 2018, has been embedded within the larger National Health Mission framework. Screening services are available at nearly 1.80 lakh primary healthcare facilities ranging from village-level Health and Wellness Centres to tertiary hospitals. The programme has expanded to 1,039 dedicated treatment centres.
To date, nearly 225 million people have been screened for viral hepatitis. The government is integrating hepatitis prevention measures across other health programmes, including efforts to prevent transmission from mothers to newborns as part of reproductive and maternal health services. The focus remains on early diagnosis, affordable treatment access and preventive interventions across the health system.
Sickle cell disease control and OneSCD partnership
India co-hosted the launch of OneSCD, a global partnership to advance equitable sickle cell care involving Nigeria, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, Africa CDC and other international partners. This reflects India’s commitment to addressing sickle cell disease through both domestic and global action.
Domestically, the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission was launched in 2023 with the goal of eliminating sickle cell anaemia as a public health problem by 2047. The Mission integrates population-level screening, early diagnosis, genetic counselling, treatment and digital tracking into the public health system. So far, 7.29 crore people have been screened, 20 lakh carriers identified and 2.5 lakh people diagnosed with the disease. The government has distributed 4.93 crore Sickle Cell Cards to help individuals track their health status and access treatment.
India is working to expand access to affordable point-of-care diagnostics and hydroxyurea therapy, a standard treatment for sickle cell disease. The government is also supporting research toward developing an indigenous gene-editing therapy.
What this means for you
Citizens now have improved access to primary healthcare through Health and Wellness Centres located closer to their homes. If you need specialist care, these centres can refer you to secondary or tertiary facilities. Digital health IDs make it easier to share your medical history across different healthcare providers.
If you belong to an economically weaker section, AB-PMJAY provides free hospital treatment for serious illnesses. Telemedicine platforms allow you to consult doctors remotely, particularly useful if you live in remote areas or find it difficult to travel.
If you or your family members are at risk for hepatitis or sickle cell disease, screening is available at primary healthcare facilities. Early diagnosis helps you access treatment before complications develop, reducing the burden on your health and finances.