Union Health Minister J P Nadda made a strong commitment on Sunday to uphold the standards of teaching and faculty at all new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) facilities across the country, asserting that he would not permit any dilution of the esteemed institution’s brand. Speaking at the BJMFCON 2024, a forum for doctors from Bihar and Jharkhand practicing in the Delhi-NCR region, Nadda emphasized the importance of maintaining high educational standards in medical training.
Upholding the AIIMS legacy
Nadda noted that while AIIMS-Delhi was established in the 1960s, it only gained its reputation as a premier medical institution in the 1980s. He highlighted that the development of a significant institution takes time, generally requiring 10 to 20 years to fully flourish. “I will not allow the dilution of the standards of AIIMS and will protect its brand name,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to ensuring that faculty recruitment meets the highest standards.
New developments and future plans
During his address, Nadda announced that the groundbreaking ceremony for AIIMS-Darbhanga would take place soon. Additionally, he revealed that AIIMS-Deoghar has been commissioned, with recruitment of staff currently underway. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to expanding quality medical education and healthcare services in various regions of India.
Nadda also spoke about the transformative policy interventions made in medical education over the past decade. He pointed out that the 2017 health policy aimed to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to healthcare, shifting the focus from merely curative measures to encompass preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative aspects.
Advances in preventive healthcare
Highlighting the government’s focus on preventive healthcare, Nadda mentioned that there are now 1.73 lakh high-quality Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across India, which undergo rigorous digital assessments. In Bihar, 10,716 such facilities have been established, recording a staggering footfall of 8.35 crore individuals and conducting 4.36 crore screenings for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In Jharkhand, there are 3,825 similar facilities with a footfall of 2.33 crore and 2.12 crore NCD screenings.
These initiatives reflect the government’s dedication to the early detection of diseases, significantly improving public health outcomes.
Improving maternal and child health
Nadda also highlighted the strides made in maternal and child health, stating that institutional deliveries have increased from 78.9% to 88.6% during the first five years of the Modi government. He acknowledged the relentless efforts of healthcare providers, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure accessibility to healthcare services in even the most remote areas.
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Expansion of medical education
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, there has been a notable increase in the number of medical colleges, rising from 387 before 2014 to 766 currently—an increase of 98%. Nadda revealed that 157 district hospitals have been converted into medical colleges, including eight in Bihar and five in Jharkhand. He also mentioned that Patna Medical College and Hospital is being redeveloped into Asia’s second-largest hospital.
The minister detailed significant growth in medical education, with MBBS seats increasing by 125%, from 51,348 before 2014 to 1,15,412 now. Postgraduate (PG) seats have also seen a 134% increase, from 31,185 to 73,111. This expansion is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality and quantity of healthcare professionals in the country.
Health insurance initiatives
Nadda highlighted the impact of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the world’s largest health insurance scheme, which has authorized treatment worth Rs 86,797 crore to date. As part of the government’s commitment to senior citizens, this scheme has been extended to all individuals aged 70 and above, offering healthcare benefits up to Rs 5 lakh.
Additionally, Nadda stated that the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has contributed to a reduction in child mortality rates, while the Ayushman Bharat scheme has effectively reduced out-of-pocket expenditures for healthcare among the population.
Nadda’s assertions at BJMFCON 2024 reflect a commitment to maintaining high educational standards in medical institutions across India. With ongoing efforts to enhance medical education, improve healthcare access, and implement preventive health measures, the government aims to create a robust healthcare system that meets the needs of the population while preserving the esteemed legacy of AIIMS.
