India provided nearly 300 million vaccine doses to less developed and vulnerable countries through the Vaccine Maitri initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic — many of them free of cost — ensuring that no nation was left behind during the global health crisis, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said on Sunday.
Speaking at the World Health Summit (WHS) Regional Meeting Asia 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Goyal emphasized that, unlike several countries that imposed export controls, India prioritized equitable vaccine access for all. He highlighted that this approach reflected the ancient Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family.”
Goyal expressed gratitude that the first WHS Regional Meeting in Asia focused on “Scaling Access to Ensure Health Equity.” He stressed that access to quality healthcare is vital for sustainable development and shared India’s journey toward achieving greater healthcare access for all citizens.
Recalling his personal interactions with global leaders during the pandemic, Goyal said India had ensured the supply of critical medicines at fair prices, standing firm against the global trend of profit-driven healthcare during crises.
On the issue of health equity, the Minister criticized the extension of pharmaceutical patents through minor incremental innovations, warning that such practices could deprive millions of affordable access to life-saving medicines. He invited WHS delegates to witness first-hand India’s efforts to deliver quality healthcare even in its remotest regions.
Highlighting India’s achievements, Goyal noted that over 620 million people are now eligible for free healthcare under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the world’s largest government-funded health insurance program. He reiterated that India’s healthcare commitment was motivated not by profit, but by compassion.
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Goyal said, “For us, healthcare is not just curing a sick patient. Healthcare is preventive healthcare, it is wellness, it is mental healthcare, and it means bridging society under the umbrella of a better lifestyle and a better future.”
He also elaborated on India’s holistic approach to human welfare, mentioning initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission for sanitation, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana providing millions of homes, the Jal Jeevan Mission expanding rural tap water access, the Ujjwala Yojana providing clean cooking fuel, and the free distribution of food grains to 800 million citizens during and beyond the pandemic.
