Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Shri J.P. Nadda delivered the keynote address at the 50th Annual Convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, on October 25, 2025. The event marked a significant milestone in India’s healthcare journey, celebrating the institution’s enduring legacy of excellence in medical education, research, and patient care.
Decade of Growth in Medical Infrastructure
In his address, Shri Nadda highlighted the transformative progress India’s healthcare and medical education system has achieved in the last decade. He stated that India’s expansion from one AIIMS at the turn of the century to 23 across the country underscores the government’s commitment to regional equity in healthcare. The Minister noted that the number of medical colleges in India has surged from 387 to 819 in the past 11 years, and undergraduate seats have grown from 51,000 to 1,29,000. Postgraduate capacity has also more than doubled, reaching 78,000, with further plans to add 75,000 new seats across levels within the next five years.
India’s Rising Global Standing in Health Indicators
Commending India’s strides in public health, Shri Nadda pointed out substantial improvements in key health indicators. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) fell from 130 to 88, while Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) declined from 39 to 27, as per Sample Registration System (SRS) data. Similarly, Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) dropped by 42% and 39%, surpassing global averages. The Minister also highlighted that TB incidence has fallen by 17.7%, more than double the global average of 8.3%, according to a Lancet report.
AIIMS: Nurturing Future Healthcare Leaders
Shri Nadda commended AIIMS for its continued leadership in advancing medical innovation, education, and clinical excellence, calling it a benchmark institution globally. Addressing 326 graduating students, including 50 Ph.D. scholars and specialists, he urged them to uphold AIIMS’ legacy through compassion, ethical practice, and a pursuit of knowledge. The Minister inspired graduates to contribute significantly to healthcare teaching and research while embracing innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Vision for Ethical and Inclusive Healthcare
The Union Health Minister underscored the importance of empathy and integrity in healthcare delivery. Describing the ongoing healthcare transformation as “accessible, affordable, and available,” he credited schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras for redefining health equity. Shri Nadda encouraged AIIMS alumni to be catalysts for change in national and global medical ecosystems by driving innovation, supporting public health initiatives, and mentoring future generations of medical professionals.
Convocation Highlights
The 50th Convocation witnessed the conferring of degrees upon 326 graduates, including 50 Ph.D. scholars, 95 DM/MCh specialists, 69 MDs, 15 MSs, 4 MDSs, 45 MSc, 30 MSc (Nursing), and 18 M.Biotech graduates. Seven distinguished doctors received the Lifetime Achievement Award for their exceptional contributions and long-standing service. Prof. V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, lauded AIIMS for its integral role in shaping India’s healthcare vision and urged graduates to carry the ethos of excellence and compassion into their professional voyage. He reiterated the importance of academia in nation-building, aligning with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Conclusion
Shri Nadda’s address at AIIMS reinforced the institution’s role in shaping India’s century of health reforms — empowering new medical professionals to lead the shifts in science, innovation, and compassionate care. The 50th Convocation symbolised not merely academic achievement but India’s broader commitment to equitable, evidence-based, and future-ready healthcare.
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Source: PIB
