Health Minister Nadda Inspires AIIMS Graduates at 50th Convocation
Union Minister highlights decade of medical growth, AIIMS expansion, and India’s health achievements while urging graduates to uphold excellence and serve society.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 25th Oct: Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda addressed the 50th Annual Convocation of AIIMS New Delhi on Friday, congratulating 326 graduating students and commending the institution for its pivotal role in medical education, research, and patient care.
Nadda praised AIIMS as a global benchmark in medical training, stating, “In the field of medical sciences, training, and healthcare delivery, AIIMS has made its own place, not only in India but globally.” He urged the new doctors to serve with empathy, uphold ethical standards, and embrace innovation to meet India’s evolving healthcare needs.
Highlighting India’s medical education growth, Shri Nadda noted that the country has expanded from one AIIMS at the end of the 20th century to 23 institutions today. Over the past decade, medical colleges have increased from 387 to 819, undergraduate seats from 51,000 to 1.29 lakh, and postgraduate seats from 31,000 to 78,000, with an additional 75,000 seats expected in the next five years.
The minister also outlined India’s health achievements: maternal mortality rate (MMR) fell from 130 to 88, infant mortality rate (IMR) from 39 to 27, and under-five mortality and neonatal mortality rates declined by 42% and 39%, respectively, surpassing global averages. TB incidence dropped by 17.7%, more than double the global reduction rate.
Nadda encouraged graduates to contribute to academics and research, uphold AIIMS’ legacy, and remain lifelong learners committed to advancing medical science.
Prof. V.K. Paul, Member, Niti Aayog, echoed the call for excellence and innovation, urging students to consider academia to inspire future healthcare professionals and contribute to a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
During the convocation, 326 degrees were conferred, including Ph.D., DM/MCh, MD, MS, MDS, MSc, MSc (Nursing), and M.Biotech graduates. Seven doctors received Lifetime Achievement Awards for their dedicated service and contributions to AIIMS.
This milestone convocation underscores India’s robust growth in medical infrastructure and the nation’s commitment to producing skilled healthcare professionals equipped to serve a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
