Dr. V.K. Paul Stresses WHO’s Holistic Health Definition, Links Right to Health with Article 21
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Delhi, December 10, 2025 — Dr. V.K. Paul, Member of NITI Aayog, emphasized the World Health Organization’s definition of health as complete physical, mental, and social well-being during a panel discussion at a National Conference organized by NHRC in New Delhi.
He noted that although the Constitution does not explicitly guarantee the Right to Health, the judiciary has interpreted it as part of Article 21. Highlighting ongoing disparities, Dr. Paul pointed out that economically disadvantaged communities bear a disproportionate share of the disease burden, influenced by biological, social, environmental, and commercial factors such as tobacco use and the marketing of unhealthy foods.
He showcased India’s progress through Swachh Bharat Mission, which enabled construction of over 12 crore toilets and Jal Jeevan Mission, expanding rural tap water access from 17% to 83% in five years.
Universal Health Coverage has advanced through Ayushman Bharat–PM-JAY, now covering nearly 600 million people and over 70,000 daily admissions, reducing out-of-pocket expenditure to about 39%. Over 1.77 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs now deliver expanded services, including Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health. Dr. Paul highlighted the strengthened primary healthcare, NCD control and a new National Mental Health Programme.
Dr. Shamika Ravi, Member, EAC- PM spoke about several areas where improved access has strengthened everyday dignity. She said that India now produces enough food for all. She said that the challenge is nutrition rather than scarcity.
Dietary patterns among the poorest households show an encouraging shift toward more diverse and healthier foods.
The building of over 120 million toilets has not only boosted public health but significantly improved women’s safety.
Dr. Ravi noted that 302 million people have moved out of moderate poverty in the last decade, with progress seen across all major social groups.
Chairing the second session on ‘Ensuring Public Services and Dignity for All’ NHRC, India Member, Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi said that food, clothes and housing meet basic needs, but true nation-building requires going beyond minimum entitlements to ensure dignity, empowerment and meaningful well-being for every individual.
He highlighted the need for introspection and collective action to build a stronger and more humane Bharat.
Sudhansh Pant, Secretary Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment highlighted the skill development opportunities with scholarship and financial support to various segments of students to ensure their right to dignity through education and enterprise.
He cited impactful initiatives such as Swachhata Udhyami Yojana, assistive devices for senior citizens and dignified digital access via Aadhaar-enabled public service delivery.
He emphasised that dignity is strengthened when grievance redressal, banking, ticketing and essential services are available at one’s fingertips.
Bhuvnesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, UIDAI highlighted the utility of Aadhaar for authentication to get various services. He clarified common misconceptions, noting that Aadhaar is a unique identification number- not proof of citizenship, domicile or date of birth. With 1.42 billion Aadhaar numbers issued and billions of authentications conducted, Aadhaar has significantly reduced identity fraud and strengthened delivery of benefits through the JAM Trinity- Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile.
Ms. Sunita Narain, Director General, Centre for Science and Environment emphasised the importance of right to a clean environment in realising a dignified life. Noting the progress, she called for more innovative, scalable and institutionally supported solutions in the field of sanitation, energy and public health.
She urged strengthening public institutions to deliver rights as lived realities rather than policy aspirations.
NHRC, India Joint Secretary, Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak delivered the vote of thanks.
