Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda on Saturday addressed the 8th convocation ceremony of Swami Rama Himalayan University in Dehradun, congratulating graduating students and highlighting major strides made in India’s healthcare sector over the past decade.
Describing the convocation as both “special and significant,” Nadda said the occasion marked not only the culmination of years of hard work but also the beginning of a new phase of professional responsibility. He urged graduates to uphold the highest standards of the medical profession and dedicate themselves to service and compassion.
Highlighting improvements in public health indicators, the Union Minister said institutional deliveries in India have risen to nearly 89%, reflecting strengthened maternal healthcare systems.
He noted that the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has declined from 130 per lakh live births a decade ago to 88 per lakh live births, while the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has reduced from 39 per thousand live births to 27 per thousand live births.
Citing estimates from the World Health Organization and other UN agencies, Nadda said India has achieved a faster decline in the Under-5 Mortality Rate compared to the global average over the past decade. He also pointed to progress in tuberculosis control, stating that India’s reduction in TB incidence has outpaced global averages through sustained public health interventions.
The Minister highlighted the expansion of tertiary healthcare infrastructure, stating that the number of AIIMS institutions has increased from six to 23 in the last eleven years, significantly widening access to advanced medical care across the country.
He also referred to India’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign, under which more than 220 crore vaccine doses, including booster and precautionary doses, were administered nationwide—describing it as a demonstration of the resilience and scale of India’s public health system.
Emphasising financial protection in healthcare, Nadda spoke about the impact of Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which provides health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family.
He said the scheme now benefits nearly 62 crore people, covering approximately 40% of the population. Referring to findings published in reputed international medical journals and independent evaluations, he noted that the scheme has improved access to timely cancer care and strengthened financial protection for eligible families.
The Minister added that India has witnessed a substantial decline in out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure over the past decade, reducing the financial burden on vulnerable households. He also cited progress in reducing malaria incidence and mortality in line with WHO-reported trends.
Underscoring the importance of comprehensive primary care, Nadda informed that more than 1.82 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational nationwide as the first point of contact for citizens.
Of these, 50,000 centres have been certified under National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS), with a target to expand the number of certified facilities to one lakh in the near future.
Concluding his address, the Minister said the strength of India’s healthcare system ultimately depends on the commitment and compassion of its medical professionals.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulated the graduates and highlighted the state government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and emergency services, particularly in remote and hilly areas. He underscored the role of Swami Rama Himalayan University in producing skilled healthcare professionals for the state and the country.
State Medical Health and Higher Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat also addressed the gathering, encouraging graduates to contribute to research, innovation and public health, especially in underserved regions.
Established with a vision to advance excellence in healthcare and higher education, Swami Rama Himalayan University offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in medical, paramedical, nursing, management, engineering and allied sciences.
The ceremony saw the conferment of degrees across multiple disciplines, marking a major academic milestone for the graduating students. Senior university officials, faculty members, parents and students were present on the occasion.
