Health Minister J.P. Nadda Showcases India’s Medical Progress at AIIMS New Delhi’s 50th Convocation
New Delhi | October 25, 2025 Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, speaking at the 50th Convocation Ceremony of AIIMS New Delhi on Saturday, commended the institute’s leadership in medical education, research, and patient care, calling it a symbol of India’s healthcare excellence. Congratulating the graduating class, he urged them to serve with empathy, maintain ethical integrity, and embrace innovation to meet the nation’s healthcare challenges. Highlighting India’s remarkable healthcare growth over the past decade, Nadda noted that while India once had only one AIIMS, the country now boasts 23 such premier institutions. He emphasized that this expansion reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare and advanced medical training. The number of medical colleges, he said, has risen from 387 to 819 in just 11 years, with undergraduate seats growing from 51,000 to 1,29,000 and postgraduate seats increasing from 31,000 to 78,000. He also announced plans to add another 75,000 seats across both levels within the next five years. The minister outlined India’s achievements in public health, citing data from the Sample Registration System (SRS) showing a sharp decline in the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) from 130 to 88 and the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) from 39 to 27. He added that the Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) have dropped by 42% and 39%, respectively — figures that exceed global benchmarks. Nadda also referred to a Lancet report showing a 17.7% decline in tuberculosis incidence in India, more than double the global reduction rate of 8.3%, describing it as evidence of India’s success in disease control and prevention. Encouraging the new graduates, Nadda urged them to carry forward AIIMS’ tradition of excellence through service, research, and compassion. He stressed that the future of medicine lies in innovation, continuous learning, and a deep commitment to community well-being. NITI Aayog Member Prof. V.K. Paul also addressed the gathering, calling on graduates to pursue academic excellence and contribute to building a “Viksit Bharat” — a developed India driven by knowledge, empathy, and discovery. The convocation honored 326 graduates, including 50 Ph.D. scholars, 95 DM/MCh specialists, 69 MDs, 15 MSs, 4 MDSs, 45 MSc, 30 MSc (Nursing), and 18 M.Biotech students. Additionally, seven distinguished doctors received Lifetime Achievement Awards for their outstanding contributions and service to AIIMS and the medical community. The ceremony marked not just a celebration of academic accomplishment but also a reflection of India’s decade-long transformation in healthcare education, accessibility, and Health Minister J.P. Nadda Celebrates India’s Medical Growth at AIIMS Convocation At AIIMS New Delhi’s 50th Convocation, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda praised India’s decade of progress in healthcare and medical education. He highlighted the expansion from one to 23 AIIMS institutions and the doubling of medical colleges and seats nationwide. Nadda cited major public health gains, including reduced maternal and infant mortality rates and a sharp decline in TB cases. Congratulating graduates, he urged them to uphold ethics, empathy, and innovation in their careers. The ceremony honored 326 graduates and seven doctors for lifetime contributions to medical excellence and service.
