Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has proposed the upskilling of medical professionals with cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum to meet the evolving demands of patient care. He made this suggestion while addressing the 63rd Annual Convocation of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (India), NAMS, held at Ramaiah Medical College in Bengaluru.
Highlighting the importance of continuous skill development, especially among young healthcare professionals, Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized that India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has taken a prominent role in Preventive and Integrated Healthcare. He suggested that professional medical bodies like NAMS and the government could collaborate to provide preventive healthcare services to all citizens of the country.
“Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed the significance of focusing on preventive healthcare, stating that it would not only serve the cause of healthcare but also contribute to a national responsibility by preserving the energy and potential of India’s youth, who will shape the nation’s future by 2047”.
Underlining the transformation in India’s healthcare landscape, Dr Jitendra Singh noted that the last nine years have turned the country into a cost-effective medical destination. This transformation has been achieved through pioneering healthcare reforms and enabling provisions implemented by PM Modi since 2014.
India’s newfound recognition as a global vaccination hub, the development of DNA Covid Vaccine, the world’s first intra-nasal Covid Vaccine, and indigenous vaccines like “CERVAVAC” for cervical cancer prevention were highlighted by Dr. Jitendra Singh.
He affirmed that healthcare has been a top priority for the Modi Government, with significant progress made in medical education. The number of medical colleges has increased from 145 in 2014 to 260, with 19 AIIMS institutions starting academic sessions. The number of undergraduate MBBS seats has risen by 79%, from 51,348 to 91,927, and postgraduate PG seats have increased by 93%, from 31,185 to 60,202.
Dr. Jitendra Singh commended Ayushman Bharat as one of the world’s best health insurance schemes, offering coverage even for pre-existing conditions. He also addressed the unique demographic challenge facing India, with a large young population coexisting with an increasing elderly population.
“India’s advancements in the startup ecosystem, space technology, including the recent Chandrayaan-3 launch, and Quantum Technology were emphasized by Dr. Jitendra Singh. The establishment of the International Biofuel Alliance, announced during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, was noted as having a significant impact on the medical field”.
Dr. Jitendra Singh praised Prime Minister Modi for India’s recent successes in space exploration, vaccine development, and technological advancements, positioning him as a global leader.
“Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that with more than 70% of India’s population below the age of 40, preventive healthcare and mass screening will play a pivotal role in achieving the nation’s expected rate of growth by 2047”.
