WHO chief praises India's Ayushman Bharat Scheme

New Delhi : Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday praised India's Ayushman Bharat Scheme that gives health cover to the low income group people.

Dr Tedros' remarks came as he addressed the inauguration ceremony of the ongoing G20 Health Ministers' Meeting in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

In the opening of his speech, Dr. Tedros expressed his gratitude to India for its warm hospitality and forward-thinking leadership in hosting the G20 Summit.

"I applaud India for their efforts in promoting Universal Health Coverage and their implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, recognized as the world's most extensive health assurance initiative," remarked the head of the WHO.

He also reminisced about his visit to a Health and Wellness Centre, praising the exceptional services delivered there.

"My visit to a Health and Wellness Centre here in Gandhinagar left me impressed with the primary healthcare provisions benefiting 1000 households under the HWC's care," he added.

He further expressed admiration for the telemedicine resources established in Gujarat and extended his gratitude to India's G20 Presidency for their role in launching the Global Digital Health Initiative scheduled for Saturday.