New Delhi: Calling on young doctors to view medicine as a moral calling rather than just a career choice, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel on Saturday urged graduating students to practise medicine with integrity, empathy and a strong sense of service towards disadvantaged and marginalised populations.
Speaking at the 7th annual convocation of Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, Patel said the degrees being conferred marked the beginning of a much larger responsibility. “What you receive today is not merely an academic qualification. It reflects years of hard work, resilience and a commitment to care — values that must remain central to your professional lives,” she told the students.
Stressing that medicine is rooted in human connection, the minister reminded young doctors that clinical skills must be matched with compassion. “By choosing this profession, you have entered into a bond with society. Your duty extends far beyond hospital walls, especially to those who are vulnerable, underserved and often unheard,” she said, urging them not to lose sensitivity amid professional pressures.
Patel also highlighted the sweeping changes in India’s healthcare system over the past decade, noting that reforms have focused on strengthening services at every level. At the primary care level, she said, more than 1.82 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are now functional nationwide, delivering comprehensive healthcare services at the community level and reducing the need for hospital-based care.
At the secondary level, the government is addressing gaps in infrastructure and manpower at Community Health Centres and district hospitals, she said. Simultaneously, the expansion of tertiary care facilities and reforms in medical education are helping build a more resilient and responsive health system. “This continuum of care is essential for reducing pressure on major hospitals and ensuring timely treatment,” Patel added.
Underscoring the growth of medical education, the minister pointed to a significant expansion in institutions and training capacity. Over the last 11 years, the number of medical colleges has risen from 387 to 819, while AIIMS institutions have increased from seven to 23. Undergraduate medical seats have grown from around 51,000 to 1.28 lakh, and postgraduate seats from 31,000 to nearly 82,000, she noted.
Patel also spoke about government initiatives aimed at improving affordability and access to healthcare. Under the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), more than 62 crore people are eligible for free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually. “This scheme alone covers over 40 per cent of the country’s population, making it the largest health assurance programme globally,” she said.
Complementary initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana and Amrit Pharmacies are also helping reduce out-of-pocket expenses by offering medicines, devices and implants at subsidised rates. “Access to treatment must not be determined by the ability to pay,” Patel remarked.
Referring to India’s advances in digital health and innovation, Patel said technology will be a key enabler in achieving universal health coverage. She encouraged young doctors to contribute to teaching and research, noting that scientific inquiry and innovation are essential for addressing emerging health challenges.
During the ceremony, degrees were awarded to over 217 postgraduate students, 136 undergraduate students and 40 super-specialty candidates. Forty-three students were also honoured with medals for academic excellence.
The event was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, Vice-Chancellor, GGSIPU; Dr Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services; Prof. (Dr.) Sandeep Bansal, Director, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital; Prof. (Dr.) Geetika Khanna, Principal; Prof. (Dr.) Charu Bamba, Medical Superintendent, along with senior officials from the Union Health Ministry.
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