Wellness Is Not Mere Absence of Disease; Focus Must Shift to Preventive Healthcare and Physical and Mental Well-Being: Dr. Jitendra Singh

At the Health & Wellness Summit 2026, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that wellness goes beyond the mere absence of disease, emphasizing preventive healthcare, physical and mental well-being, and work-life balance. He noted that India's rising life expectancy—from around 45 years at independence to considerably longer today—has altered health challenges, leading to a rise in lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases and Type 2 diabetes. The Minister highlighted the government's broader healthcare approach, including initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the expansion of medical education, alongside science-led interventions such as translational research, indigenous vaccine development, and early screening programs like UMMID for inherited disorders.