Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, during the 50th Session of Human Rights Council (13 June – 8 July 2022) delivered by Ms. Jagpreet Kaur, Under Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs,

(Geneva, 20 June 2022)

Mr. Vice-President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of her report and take note of the conclusions and recommendations made. The full statement will be uploaded on the extranet.

2. India is committed to ensure universal access to health care. The National Health Policy, 2017 envisions the goal of attaining highest possible level of health and well-being for all through a preventive and promotive health care orientation in all developmental policies and universal access to good quality health care services without financial hardship to the citizens.

3. The anti-discrimination framework embodied in the Constitution of India has dynamically evolved over the years through robust legislations and a spirited interpretation of the Constitution by the Supreme Court of India.

4. Government of India has taken numerous initiatives to bolster the health sector, by launching innovative health schemes such as Ayushman Bharat Mission, National Health Protection Mission and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). Ayushman Bharat, which institutionalises universal, accessible, affordable and quality health care, is the world’s largest health protection scheme providing an annual cover of INR 5 lakh to 100 million families from economically weaker sections.

5. We have always stressed on the concept of wellness. The global celebration of 8th International Day of Yoga on 21st June 2022, focused on yoga for humanity. Yoga has been globally recognized as a holistic and integral science of life, encompassing all dimensions of our health and wellness.

I thank you Mr. Vice-President.

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