File photo of AIIMS building in New Delhi.
| Photo Credit: SANDEEP SAXENA
In the next five years, an additional 75,000 medical seats are expected to be added across both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, said Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda addressing the 50th annual convocation ceremony of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi, on Saturday (October 25, 2025).
The Minister added that India’s health parameters including maternal and child health have registered progress while tuberculosis incidence in India has dropped by 17.7%, over twice the global rate of 8.3%, as reported by The Lancet.
Highlighting the progress achieved in India’s healthcare and medical education sector over the past decade, the Minister said that in the last 11 years, the number of medical colleges in the country has increased from 387 to 819. Similarly, undergraduate medical seats have risen from 51,000 to 1,29,000, and postgraduate seats from 31,000 to 78,000.
‘Remain lifelong learners’
The Minister also urged the graduating students to actively contribute to academics and research, and to uphold the prestigious legacy and brand of AIIMS through excellence in their professional and ethical conduct. He encouraged them to remain lifelong learners and innovators, committed to advancing medical science and serving society with compassion.
Speaking on the occasion, V.K. Paul, Niti Aayog member, said doctors have a profound societal responsibility to give back to the community that has nurtured them. “As you move forward, let excellence become your daily practice and innovation your guiding principle,” he said.
He urged the students to consider joining academics, to teach, guide, and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals, thereby contributing to the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’. He highlighted that true nation building rests on a strong foundation of knowledge, compassion, and continuous learning.
During the ceremony, degrees were conferred upon 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 graduates. Additionally, seven doctors were honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their exemplary contributions and dedicated service at AIIMS.
Published – October 25, 2025 07:28 pm IST
