India has made significant strides in public health, marked by a steep decline in the incidence of Tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and maternal mortality rates. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda attributed this progress to the country's institutional strength, effective program delivery, and the active participation of its people.
Nadda, addressing the Advancing Public Health Outcomes Forum 2025 in New Delhi, emphasized that India's public health journey has entered a decisive, results-oriented phase, driven by strong science and a commitment to strengthening primary healthcare. He highlighted that these achievements reflect not isolated programs, but rather a combination of institutional strength, public involvement ('Jan Bhagidari'), and sustained political commitment.
India has transitioned from a high-burden malaria country to a high-impact state, with malaria incidence declining by over 80% and deaths by 78%. Regarding tuberculosis, the TB incidence has declined from 237 cases per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh at present. India has achieved a 21% decline in TB incidence, significantly higher than the global decline of 12%. According to the WHO Global TB Report 2024, India has witnessed a 17.7% decline in TB incidence from 2015 to 2023, a rate that is over twice the global average. Despite setbacks during COVID-19, India has maintained its TB eradication target, aiming to eliminate TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global target.
Significant gains have also been made in maternal and child health outcomes. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has declined from 130 per lakh live births in 2014 to 88 in 2025. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has reduced from 39 per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 27 in 2025. The Under-Five Mortality Rate has declined by 42% in India, compared to a global decline of 12%, while the Neonatal Mortality Rate has fallen by 39% in India, against 11% globally.
The Union government is committed to strengthening primary healthcare, with the goal of establishing one Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) for every 2,000 people. The government is working towards National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification for all AAMs, with over 30,000 AAMs already having received NQAS certification.
Furthermore, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has significantly reduced out-of-pocket expenditure from 69% to 39%, strengthening financial protection for millions of families.
Nadda emphasized that this progress aligns with the Prime Minister's vision of "Aarogyam Paramam Bhagyam," which views health as the foundation of economic and social development. It is guided by the principle of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas," underscoring collective responsibility, inclusive growth, and shared effort in advancing public health outcomes across the country.
The Health Minister also released four flagship reports highlighting India's progress across malaria elimination, challenges in TB, eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis and leveraging immunisation for better health.
