Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted a “paradigm shift” in India’s medical education and healthcare sectors, saying the country has made major strides in making health services more accessible, affordable, and available, according to a press release. Speaking at the 54th Foundation Day and Convocation of University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS), University of Delhi, Singh pointed to a steep rise in medical education capacity: “Ten years ago, there were only about 45,000 undergraduate medical seats; today, the number is close to 1.5 lakh.” Web India News
He credited flagship government initiatives — such as Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras — for redefining the relationship between the state and its citizens in terms of health service delivery. Singh also lauded the evolution of health insurance in India, noting that it now covers pre-existing diseases — a development he described as “one of the most humane innovations” in public health policy.
On the scientific front, he underscored India’s global standing in life sciences, citing breakthroughs such as the first indigenous DNA COVID-19 vaccine, a domestically developed HPV vaccine, and the antibiotic Nafithromycin.
He also referred to successful gene therapy trials for haemophilia, which have been published in international medical journals.
Calling for greater collaboration, Singh urged medical institutions like UCMS to break free from “working in silos” and deepen partnerships with private sector players and government labs for clinical trials and advanced research. He emphasized the changing disease burden in India: today’s doctors must confront both communicable and non-communicable illnesses, as well as challenges posed by an aging population and rapid technological change.
A major part of his address focused on technology in healthcare. Singh highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI), which he said is already being used in tele-mobile clinics. According to him, AI can “communicate in the patient’s own language and even provide comfort through human-like interaction,” creating a hybrid model of care that blends empathy with innovation.
To the graduating students, he offered a forward-looking message: “Those receiving their degrees today will be at the prime of their careers when India celebrates 100 years of independence in 2047 … Destiny has given you this opportunity to be the architects of a healthier, more self-reliant India.