New Delhi, March 14 Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's healthcare sector has undergone a transformative expansion in infrastructure, medical education, and access to affordable care in the last decade, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said on Saturday.
Addressing the convocation ceremony of Teerthanker Mahaveer University in Moradabad, Nadda said that in the last eleven years, India has witnessed a significant expansion of premier medical institutions.
"The number of All India Institute of Medical Sciences has increased from six earlier to 23 today, strengthening tertiary healthcare services and creating new opportunities for high-quality medical education and research across the country," he said.
Highlighting the transformative changes in India's healthcare sector over the past decade, Nadda said, "The government has made sustained efforts to expand healthcare infrastructure, strengthen medical education, and improve access to affordable and quality healthcare across the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."
Nadda noted that India has recorded substantial progress in improving maternal and child health outcomes.
Citing global estimates, he stated that India's maternal mortality ratio has declined by about 86 per cent, compared to a global reduction of around 48 per cent, reflecting the impact of sustained public health interventions.
Speaking about India's efforts to eliminate Tuberculosis, he highlighted that India has achieved a 21 per cent decline in TB incidence, which is significantly higher than the global decline of 12 per cent, as reported by the WHO.
Nadda further emphasised that the government has been working consistently to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on citizens. He noted that out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) on healthcare has significantly declined from 62.6 per cent to 39.4 per cent, reflecting the government's commitment to making healthcare more affordable and accessible to the people.
Highlighting India's progress in strengthening access to timely treatment, Nadda cited findings from The Lancet, noting that around 90 per cent of cancer patients in India begin their treatment within 20 days, reflecting improvements in early diagnosis and treatment pathways across the healthcare system.
He also highlighted the transformative impact of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, describing it as the world's largest health coverage scheme, which provides health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
Nadda stated that the scheme has significantly expanded financial protection in healthcare and has benefited more than 71 crore people, enabling millions of families to access quality treatment without financial hardship.
Addressing the gathering, the Union health minister noted that a convocation marks not only the completion of an academic journey but also the beginning of a new chapter of responsibility and service. He encouraged the graduating students to move forward with strong values and a commitment to contribute meaningfully to the nation and society.
"You are privileged to be entering the professional world during the second phase of India's Amrit Kaal, as the country moves towards the vision of a developed India by 2047. This period presents both an opportunity and a responsibility simultaneously for young professionals to shape the future of the nation," Nadda said.
Addressing the graduating students, Nadda reminded them that their academic achievements are the result of the collective efforts of parents, teachers, mentors, university staff and institutional support systems. "Behind every degree lies the silent contribution and encouragement of families, faculty members and institutions that guide students towards success," he said.