India’s Health Journey: Milestones in Disease Control and Immunization
During the inaugural Advancing Public Health Outcomes Forum 2025 held in New Delhi, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda, emphasized that India is entering a crucial phase in its public health journey. This phase is characterized by robust scientific support, effective program implementation, and significant participation from the public.
Themed around “Disease Control and Immunisation,” the Forum highlighted India’s achievements in disease management and the enhancement of immunization coverage. Shri Nadda asserted that the recent progress is not merely due to isolated initiatives but is a result of strong institutional frameworks, active community involvement (Jan Bhagidari), and dedicated political support.
Collective Vision for Health Progress
Stressing the alignment of these efforts with Prime Minister’s vision of “Aarogyam Paramam Bhagyam,” which underscores health as vital to economic and social development, Shri Nadda promoted the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas.” This principle reinforces the idea of collective responsibility and inclusive growth across the nation in advancing public health.
Strengthening Primary Healthcare
Shri Nadda reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing primary healthcare by proposing the establishment of one Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) for every 2,000 individuals. Highlighting the importance of quality care, he noted that more than 30,000 AAMs have achieved National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification.
Significant Disease Control Achievements
In his address, the Union Health Minister pointed out India’s success in disease control, particularly in malaria, where the incidence has dropped by over 80% and mortality by 78%. Furthermore, he noted that tuberculosis (TB) incidence has decreased from 237 cases per lakh population in 2015 to just 187 at present, demonstrating a 21% reduction—substantially higher than the global average decline of 12%.
Improving Maternal and Child Health
India has made notable strides in maternal and child health, with the Maternal Mortality Ratio decreasing from 130 per lakh live births in 2014 to 88 in 2025. The Infant Mortality Rate has also improved, dropping from 39 to 27 per 1,000 live births in the same period. Additionally, under-five mortality has reduced by 42%, far surpassing the global decline rate, while neonatal mortality has fallen by 39% compared to the global figure of 11%.
Financial Security through Health Initiatives
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is a key initiative that has successfully decreased out-of-pocket healthcare expenses from 69% to 39%, providing financial protection for millions of families across India.
Collaboration for a Healthier Nation
The Forum, organized by the Women’s Collective Forum with support from the Gates Foundation and collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), represents a comprehensive approach to public health. The event was conducted in partnership with leading national organizations focused on research and healthcare solutions.
During the event, Shri Nadda also unveiled four key reports that highlight India’s advancements in public health:
- India’s Progress towards Malaria Elimination
- India’s Progress in Addressing the Challenge of Tuberculosis
- India’s Progress towards Eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis
- How India Is Enabling and Leveraging Immunisation for Better Health
Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, Principal Advisor of the Women’s Collective Forum, praised the government’s commitment to healthcare, citing that the Ministry’s efforts reflect data-driven governance and investment in frontline capacity to achieve measurable outcomes.
Prominent figures at the forum included Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR, and Dr. Randeep Guleria, Chairman of the CII Public Health Council, highlighting the collaborative spirit driving health initiatives forward in India.
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