Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed gratitude to those working to improve public health and reaffirmed India’s commitment to building a healthier society on the occasion of World Health Day.
In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister thanked healthcare workers and individuals who dedicate themselves to the service of others and contribute to creating a healthier planet.
“On World Health Day, we express our gratitude to all those who dedicate themselves tirelessly to the service of others and work towards a healthier planet. We also reaffirm our commitment to building a healthier society. Let us all keep working together to strengthen healthcare systems and prioritise the well-being of every individual,” he said.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda also extended greetings on the occasion and emphasised India’s efforts to build a stronger and more inclusive healthcare system by combining traditional knowledge with modern science.
In a post on X, Nadda said, “Greetings to everyone on #WorldHealthDay! This day reminds us to take better care of our health and follow a balanced lifestyle. India’s approach to healthcare combines age-old wisdom with modern science, helping improve lives not just at home but across the world.”
He added, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, transformative initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the PM Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana have strengthened the healthcare system, making quality treatment more accessible, affordable, and inclusive for every citizen.”
Observed annually on April 7, World Health Day aims to highlight pressing public health concerns and encourage coordinated action at both individual and global levels. The day marks the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948, with the first observance held in 1950.
The theme for World Health Day 2026, ‘Together for health: Stand with science’, highlights the importance of scientific collaboration in addressing global health challenges.
Launched by the WHO as part of a year-long campaign, the theme underscores the role of research, innovation and evidence-based policymaking in strengthening healthcare systems worldwide.
According to the WHO, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” reflecting a holistic understanding of health that goes beyond the absence of illness.
World Health Day also serves to advocate increased government investment in Universal Health Coverage (UHC), raise public awareness about preventive healthcare measures such as immunisation and mental well-being, and promote policy initiatives and global cooperation in public health.
