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Doctors: Your education is a privilege, repay society!
1 May
Summary
- Medical education is a privilege, not a right, requiring societal repayment.
- Government invests ₹30-35 lakh yearly per medical student.
- India's medical colleges grew from 387 to 820 in a decade.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda addressed 682 graduating doctors at PGIMER's 39th convocation, asserting that medical education is a privilege requiring societal repayment. He stated the government invests approximately ₹30-35 lakh annually per student. Over the next five years, an additional ₹1.5 crore per student is earmarked for expanding medical college seats.
Nadda highlighted significant growth in India's tertiary care. From one AIIMS and one PGIMER in the late 20th century, the country now boasts 23 AIIMS. Medical colleges have increased from 387 to 820 in the last decade. Undergraduate seats rose from 51,000 to over 1,26,000, with a goal to add 75,000 more UG and PG seats.
PGIMER Director Dr. Vivek Lal reiterated the institute's patient-first philosophy and its leading role in transplant medicine, particularly renal transplants. He also noted that Ayushman Bharat has facilitated care for over 2.5 lakh patients, utilizing nearly ₹650 crore and reducing financial burdens.
Minister Nadda is scheduled to visit NIPER today, where he will inaugurate a Medicinal Succulents Garden and review research exhibitions.
