Dr. Jitendra Singh Outlines India's Evolving Healthcare Approach at Wellness Summit 2026
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh articulated India's evolving healthcare philosophy at the Health & Wellness Summit 2026, emphasizing that wellness extends beyond mere absence of disease to encompass preventive healthcare, physical and mental well-being, work-life balance, and overall ease of living. He stated that India has increasingly moved towards a broader understanding of health over the last decade, with greater emphasis on Ayurveda, Yoga, and wellness centers alongside modern healthcare, positioning a healthy younger generation as critical to realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The Minister highlighted India's substantial demographic and health transformation, noting that life expectancy has risen dramatically from barely 45 years at Independence to considerably longer today. This increased longevity has brought changing health challenges, with lifestyle diseases becoming more prominent, including cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes, and other lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Singh outlined the government's broader approach to healthcare under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, combining improved access to treatment with preventive and grassroots interventions. He cited the expansion of medical education and initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat as part of efforts to make healthcare more accessible and reduce the financial burden of serious illness on families.
Science and technology play a crucial role in addressing emerging health challenges, particularly through developing affordable, accessible solutions suited to local needs. India's scientific ecosystem demonstrated this capability during COVID-19 when Indian laboratories rapidly isolated and sequenced the SARS-CoV-2 genome, contributing to indigenous vaccine development. The focus must now shift to translational research that brings together medicine, science, technology, and industry to develop affordable diagnostics, biosensors, drug-delivery technologies, and other healthcare solutions.
Specific programs like UMMID (Unique Methods of Management and Treatment of Inherited Disorders) are already strengthening early detection and management of inherited disorders among newborns and pregnant women, demonstrating how scientific capabilities can be deployed for preventive healthcare. Continued collaboration among medical practitioners, researchers, industry, and other stakeholders will be essential for developing practical solutions to ensure people not only live longer but enjoy better physical and mental well-being, making preventive healthcare and wellness integral to India's journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047.