Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the remarkable transformation in India’s medical education and healthcare sectors over the past decade, describing it as a period that made healthcare more accessible, affordable, and inclusive. He was addressing the 54th Foundation Day and College Convocatione=”font-weight: 400;”> of the University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS), University of Delhi, where he conferred degrees upon undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Paradigm Shift in Medical Education
Dr. Singh emphasized that medical education in India has undergone a major paradigm shift. “Ten years ago, there were only about 45,000 undergraduate medical seats; today, the number stands close to 1.5 lakh,” he noted. He attributed this growth to the rapid expansion of medical institutions, including new AIIMS campuses, which have democratized access to education and created opportunities for aspiring doctors, especially women.
Encouraging graduates to embrace innovation while staying grounded in compassion, he said, “Medicine is not just about science—it’s about service. Innovation must always be guided by empathy.”
Transforming Healthcare Delivery
The Minister described India’s healthcare transformation as <b>“three-fold—accessible, affordable, and available.” He credited flagship initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras for redefining public healthcare by bridging gaps between the government and citizens.
Drawing from his medical background, Dr. Singh recalled how health insurance in India now covers pre-existing diseases, calling it “one of the most humane innovations in public health policy.” This, he said, represents a fundamental shift in how India views healthcare as a right rather than a privilege.
India’s Global Leadership in Life Sciences
Highlighting India’s growing global credibility, Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed to groundbreaking achievements by the Department of Biotechnology. “It is this department that developed the world’s first DNA vaccine for COVID-19 and the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention,” he said. India now supplies indigenous vaccines to over 200 countries, reinforcing its role as a reliable global health partner.
He also mentioned India’s first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin. He highlighted the successful gene therapy trials for haemophilia, published in the New England Journal of Medicine. These innovations, he noted, mark India’s emergence as a leader in preventive and therapeutic medicine.
Call for Academia-Industry Collaboration
Dr. Singh urged UCMS and similar institutions to strengthen collaborations with private industry and research laboratories. “The age of working in silos is over,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for synergy between academia, industry, and government to accelerate advanced clinical trials and research.
Celebrating 54 Years of Excellence
A Souvenir marking UCMS’s 54-year journey was released during the event. It chronicles the institution’s contributions to medical education, research, and community health. The publication also highlighted UCMS’s partnership with GTB Hospital, showcasing its commitment to community-based healthcare initiatives.
Dr. Singh presented awards and medals to outstanding students and faculty members, commending their academic achievements and dedication to medical research. He expressed confidence that India’s new generation of doctors would play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s healthcare priorities.
Preparing for Future Health Challenges
Reflecting on emerging health concerns, Dr. Singh noted that today’s doctors must manage a “bi-phasic disease spectrum” — the coexistence of communicable and non-communicable diseases. They also face growing challenges from an ageing population and rapid technological advancements.
He highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, citing his own experiments with tele-mobile clinics. “AI can communicate in a patient’s own language and even offer emotional comfort. It represents a hybrid model that combines empathy with innovation,” he said.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Doctors
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Jitendra Singh reminded graduates of their historic responsibility. “Those receiving their degrees today will be at the peak of their careers when India celebrates 100 years of independence in 2047,” he said. “Destiny has given you this opportunity to be the architects of a healthier, more self-reliant India.”
Event Overview
As reported by pib.gov.in, the convocation began with a welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, Chairman, Governing Body, UCMS, followed by an address by Prof. Balaram Pani, Dean of Colleges, University of Delhi, who also served as the Chief Guest. The event was attended by faculty members, students, and senior officials. It reflected the government’s vision to align medical education with national priorities in science, technology, and innovation.