Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today underlined the rapid transformation in India’s medical education and healthcare sector, highlighting a decade that has made healthcare more accessible, affordable, and inclusive. He was addressing the 54th Foundation Day and Convocation of the University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS), University of Delhi, where he awarded degrees to new medical graduates.
Dr. Singh noted a significant expansion in medical education: from about 45,000 undergraduate medical seats a decade ago to nearly 1.5 lakh today, with institutions like AIIMS increasing access across regions and enabling more women to pursue medical careers. He described healthcare delivery as evolving to be “accessible, affordable, and available,” crediting initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras for strengthening citizen-centric health services.
Highlighting India’s growing global healthcare footprint, Dr. Singh pointed to the development of the world’s first DNA COVID-19 vaccine, HPV vaccines, India’s indigenous antibiotic ‘Nafithromycin’, and successful gene therapy trials for haemophilia. He emphasized the need for collaboration between academic institutions, the private sector, and government laboratories for advanced research and clinical trials.
Dr. Singh also stressed the integration of artificial intelligence in medicine, describing AI as a tool that can enhance diagnostics and patient care while communicating in patients’ languages and providing empathetic interaction.
At the event, a souvenir marking UCMS’s 54-year journey in medical education, research, and public service was released, celebrating the college’s contributions, particularly in community health initiatives in partnership with GTB Hospital. Awards and medals were presented to meritorious students and faculty for academic excellence and research contributions.
Addressing the graduates, Dr. Singh remarked that they are uniquely positioned to shape India’s healthcare future, especially as the nation approaches its centenary of independence in 2047. “Destiny has given you this opportunity to be the architects of a healthier, more self-reliant India,” he said.
The event was attended by UCMS faculty, students, and senior officials, and reflected the government’s vision to align medical education with national priorities in science, technology, and healthcare innovation.
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