Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the transformative developments in India’s medical education and healthcare infrastructure, emphasizing accessibility, affordability, and innovation as the three defining pillars of progress. Speaking at the 54th Foundation Day and Convocation Ceremony of the University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS), University of Delhi, he lauded India’s achievements in bridging medical knowledge with public service.
Transforming Medical Education in the Last Decade
Dr. Singh highlighted the exponential growth of medical education in India, noting that the number of undergraduate seats has surged from about 45,000 a decade ago to nearly 1.5 lakh today. He attributed this evolution to the expansion of landmark institutions like AIIMS across various states, which have democratized access to quality medical education and opened new opportunities for women and rural aspirants. The Minister said the government’s efforts reflect a national commitment to building a resilient healthcare ecosystem supported by top-notch human capital.
Accessible, Affordable, and Available Healthcare
Describing the reform in healthcare delivery as “three-fold — accessible, affordable, and available,” Dr. Singh credited flagship programs such as Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras for strengthening the public health framework. He also commended recent reforms in health insurance that now cover pre-existing diseases, calling it a humane and inclusive transformation that upholds citizens’ right to comprehensive health coverage.
India’s Global Leadership in Life Sciences
The Minister highlighted that India is emerging as a global leader in the life sciences and medical research sectors. He cited the development of the world’s first DNA vaccine for COVID-19 and the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention by the Department of Biotechnology as hallmarks of India’s scientific prowess. Additionally, he mentioned breakthroughs such as India’s indigenous antibiotic ‘Nafithromycin’ and gene therapy for haemophilia, published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, which signify the nation’s advancing capabilities in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.
AI and the Future of Patient Care
Dr. Singh emphasized the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies in revolutionizing diagnostic precision and patient care. He stated that AI-driven telemedicine solutions have already demonstrated the potential to enhance communication in regional languages and bring human-like empathy into remote healthcare consultations. “It’s a hybrid model that integrates compassion with innovation,” he said, underscoring the importance of ethical and patient-centered technology adoption.
Collaboration and Future Readiness
Urging medical institutions to collaborate more actively with the private sector, he asserted that the era of “working in silos” is over. He encouraged universities to partner with industry and government laboratories to advance research and clinical trials. He noted that such synergies are vital to maintaining India’s leadership in healthcare innovation and ensuring that the next generation of doctors is equipped to deliver comprehensive solutions for both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Recognition of Excellence and Institutional Legacy
At the convocation, Dr. Jitendra Singh awarded degrees and medals to meritorious undergraduate and postgraduate students and released a souvenir recounting UCMS’s 54-year journey in medical education and research. The event, attended by leading faculty, students, and government officials, reflected UCMS’s growing contribution to community-based healthcare through partnerships like those with GTB Hospital and other public health programs.
Conclusion
In his closing remarks, Dr. Singh reminded the graduating doctors of their pivotal role in shaping India’s healthcare landscape by 2047, the centenary of India’s independence. He emphasized that this generation of medical professionals holds the key to achieving a self-reliant and globally competitive healthcare system rooted in ethics, innovation, and inclusivity.
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Source: PIB
