In only 11 years, the number of medical colleges in India rose from 387 to 819. Nadda

Union Health Minister Nadda said on Saturday that the nation now has 819 medical colleges, up from 387 in the previous 11 years.

Speaking at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences’ (AIIMS) 50th Annual Convocation Ceremony, Nadda emphasized that postgraduate seats have increased from 31,000 to 78,000, while undergraduate medical seats have increased from 51,000 to 1.29 lakh.

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 commended AIIMS for its outstanding contribution to the nation’s progress in medical research, education, and patient care while congratulating the graduating students.

He exhorted the young physicians to treat patients with compassion, uphold the highest moral standards, and use innovation to meet the nation’s changing healthcare demands.

Nadda also highlighted the noteworthy advancements in maternal and child health, citing statistics from the Sample Registration Survey (SRS) that showed the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) falling from 39 to 27 and the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) falling 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 occurred, outpacing the worldwide norm.

According to The Lancet Report, the incidence of tuberculosis has dropped by 17.7% in India, more than double the worldwide rate of 8.3%.

The health minister urged the graduating students to aggressively pursue academics and research, as well as to preserve AIIMS’ prestigious name and heritage by acting with professionalism and ethics.

He urged them to continue being innovators and lifelong learners who are dedicated to developing medical knowledge and providing compassionate service to society.

326 graduates, comprising 50 Ph.D. scholars, 95 DM/MCh experts, 69 MDs, 15 MSs, 4 MDSs, 45 MSc, 30 MSc (Nursing), and 18 M. Biotech grads, received degrees at the event. Seven physicians were also given the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their exceptional work and commitment to AIIMS.