In just 11 years, the number of medical colleges in India rose from 387 to 819 : J.P. Nadda
Union Health Minister Nadda claims that in the past 11 years, the number of medical colleges in the nation has increased from 387 to 819.
Speaking at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences' (AIIMS) 50th Annual Convocation Ceremony, Nadda stated that the number of undergraduate medical seats has increased from 51,000 to 1.29 lakh, while the number of postgraduate seats has increased from 31,000 to 78,000.
In the next five years, an additional 75,000 places at the undergraduate and graduate levels are anticipated to be added, he said.
The health minister praised the AIIMS for its unmatched commitment to the advancement of medical science, education, and patient care in the nation and congratulated the graduating students.
In order to fulfill the nation's changing healthcare demands, he urged the young physicians to practice empathy, adhere to the greatest ethical standards, and use innovation.
Nadda added that the nation has achieved significant strides in improving the health of mothers and children, citing data from the Sample Registration Survey (SRS) showing that the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has decreased from 39 to 27 and the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has decreased from 130 to 88.
Significant decreases of 42% and 39%, respectively, in the Under-five Mortality Rate (U5MR) and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) have also been seen, both of which are higher than the global norm.
Nadda added that India's TB incidence has decreased by 17.7%, which is more than twice the global average of 8.3%, according to The Lancet Report.
In his closing remarks, the health minister urged the graduating students to actively support research and academia and to preserve the esteemed reputation and heritage of the AIIMS by acting with integrity and professionalism.
He urged them to continue being innovators and lifelong learners who are dedicated to developing medical knowledge and providing compassionate service to society.
