UNION MINISTER ADDRESSED THE 50TH CONVOCATION OF AIIMS

UNION MINISTER ADDRESSED THE 50^TH CONVOCATION OF AIIMS

30-OCT-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

DELHI--------------------------Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda addressed the 50th Annual Convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, here today.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Nadda congratulated the graduating students and lauded AIIMS's unique contribution to advancing medical science, education, and patient care in India. He called upon young doctors to serve with compassion, maintain the highest standards of ethics, and utilize innovation to meet the country's emerging healthcare needs.

Mr. Nadda said, "In the field of medical science, training, and healthcare, AIIMS, located in the capital Delhi, has established its place not only in India but globally." He commended the institute's continued commitment to excellence in medical education, cutting-edge research, and patient care.

Shri Nadda, highlighting the remarkable progress made in India's healthcare and medical education sector over the past decade, said that while there was only one AIIMS in the country at the end of the last century, today there are 23 AIIMS institutes across India. This reflects the government's commitment to expanding quality healthcare and medical training in every region.

He pointed out that the number of medical colleges in the country has increased from 387 to 819 in the last 11 years. Similarly, undergraduate medical seats have increased from 51,000 to 129,000, and postgraduate seats from 31,000 to 78,000. Shri Nadda said that an additional 75,000 seats are expected to be added at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the next five years.

The Union Health Minister also noted that India has made significant progress in the field of maternal and child health, where, according to Sample Registration System (SRS) data, the maternal mortality rate (MMR) has declined from 130 to 88 and the infant mortality rate (IMR) from 39 to 27. The under-five mortality rate (U5MR) and national mortality rate (NMR) have also seen significant reductions of 42 percent and 39 percent, respectively, which are higher than the global average.

He further noted that the Lancet report indicates a 17.7 percent decline in TB cases in India. In his concluding remarks, Mr. Nadda urged the graduating students to actively contribute to education and research and uphold the prestigious legacy and brand of AIIMS through excellence in their professional and ethical conduct. He encouraged the students to remain lifelong learners and innovators, dedicated to advancing medical science and serving society.

Speaking on the occasion, NITI Aayog Member Prof. V.K. Paul said, "We have a profound social responsibility to give back to the community that has nurtured us. As you move forward, make excellence your daily practice and innovation your guiding principle."

He urged students to consider joining academia, teaching, guiding, and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals, thereby contributing to the vision of a 'Developed India.' He emphasized that true nation-building rests on a strong foundation of knowledge, compassion, and continuous learning.

During the convocation, degrees were conferred on 326 graduates, including 50 PhD scholars, 95 DM/MCh specialists, 69 MDs, 15 MScs, 4 MDSs, 45 MScs, 30 MScs (Nursing), and 18 M.Biotech graduates. Additionally, seven doctors were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their exemplary contributions and dedicated service to AIIMS.