Health Minister Advocates for Compassionate Innovation in Medicine
New Delhi: On Saturday, Union Health Minister JP Nadda encouraged the new generation of doctors to harmonize technological advancement with compassion.
During his address at the 50th convocation of AIIMS Delhi, he emphasized that despite the transformative influence of artificial intelligence and robotics in healthcare, “the heart behind healing must never fade.”
As 326 medical students celebrated the conferral of their degrees, Nadda extended his congratulations to the graduates, faculty, and families, remarking that medical education is “a privilege enabled by the collective effort of educators, taxpayers, and family support.”
“Technology enhances detection and improves patient satisfaction,” he remarked. “However, it is imperative that the essence of human touch and compassion remains intact.”
Nadda lauded AIIMS for establishing itself as a frontrunner in AI-enhanced diagnostics and robotic surgical training, also highlighting revolutionary procedures such as dual kidney and renal auto-transplants.
He noted that AIIMS is setting standards in research, currently overseeing 900 ongoing projects, and continues to excel in cleanliness rankings under the Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat initiative.
Reflecting on India’s considerable advancements in medical education, he noted that the nation boasts 23 AIIMS, with 20 currently operational.
The number of medical colleges has nearly doubled from 387 to 819, while undergraduate seats increased from 51,000 to 129,000, and postgraduate seats surged from 31,000 to 78,000 over the past decade.
“In the next five years, we anticipate an addition of 75,000 seats,” he declared.
Moreover, Nadda pointed out that maternal and infant mortality rates are declining more rapidly than global averages. He further stated that The Lancet recently reported 90% of cancer patients are receiving treatment within 30 days of diagnosis, owing to prompt detection initiatives under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Recalling India’s swift response to the pandemic, he remarked, “Within nine months of our first Covid case, India developed two indigenous vaccines and administered over 220 crore doses—the world’s largest and fastest vaccination drive.”
Joining him at the event, Prof. VK Paul, a member of Niti Aayog, urged the new doctors to go beyond clinical duties. “We bear a significant societal obligation to give back to the community that nurtured us,” he stated.
He also encouraged them to pursue academic paths to fortify the health education system and further the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Praising AIIMS’s progress in genomics, telehealth, and precision medicine, Nadda reminded the young physicians, “While technology can enhance diagnosis and treatment, it is compassion that truly heals.”
Regarding their social responsibility, the minister highlighted, “Training one MBBS student costs approximately Rs 1.5 crore—an investment made by society rather than the individual. This privilege must be reciprocated through service, integrity, and humanity.”
He concluded by describing AIIMS as a “national brand,” urging graduates, “You are its ambassadors. Uphold its values of excellence and empathy.”
Source link: Timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
