Nadda Showcases Health Gains at SRHU Convocation

Dehradun — Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, on Saturday highlighted India's sweeping healthcare transformation over the past decade while addressing the 8th Convocation Ceremony of Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), Dehradun.

Congratulating the graduating students, the Minister described the convocation as both "special and significant" — special for marking years of perseverance and hard work, and significant as it ushers graduates into a new phase of professional responsibility.

"You are entering a profession that demands not only competence but compassion. The strength of India's healthcare system ultimately rests on your commitment and ethics," he said.

AIIMS Expansion and Healthcare Access

Underscoring structural reforms in the health sector, Shri Nadda said the number of All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has risen from 6 to 23 in the past eleven years, substantially expanding access to tertiary healthcare services across the country.

He noted that institutional deliveries have increased to nearly 89%, reflecting strengthened maternal healthcare systems and improved service outreach.

Major Gains in Maternal and Child Health

Highlighting improvements in health indicators, the Minister pointed to a sharp decline in mortality rates:

• Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) reduced from 130 to 88 per lakh live births

• Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) declined from 39 to 27 per thousand live births

He added that India has achieved a faster reduction in Under-5 Mortality Rate compared to the global average, citing estimates from the World Health Organization and UN agencies.

"These gains reflect sustained policy focus, strengthened primary care systems and improved institutional capacity," he said.

TB, Malaria and Public Health Milestones

Referring to tuberculosis elimination efforts, Shri Nadda stated that India has recorded a substantial decline in TB incidence, outperforming global average reductions through intensified public health strategies and community-based interventions.

Despite accounting for nearly one-sixth of the world's population, India has also made significant progress in reducing malaria incidence and mortality, aligning with WHO-reported trends.

World's Largest Vaccination Drive

The Minister highlighted India's COVID-19 vaccination campaign as a historic public health achievement. Over 220 crore vaccine doses, including precautionary and booster doses, have been administered nationwide.

He described the campaign as a testament to India's scale, resilience and delivery efficiency.

Ayushman Bharat Strengthening Financial Protection

Emphasizing affordability and financial protection, Shri Nadda spoke about Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which provides ₹5 lakh health coverage per family.

He stated that the scheme now benefits nearly 62 crore people, covering approximately 40% of the population. Citing evidence from reputed international medical journals and independent evaluations, he said AB-PMJAY has improved timely access to cancer care and strengthened financial protection for vulnerable families.

India has also witnessed a substantial reduction in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure on healthcare over the past decade, easing financial stress on households.

1.82 Lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs Operational

Highlighting primary healthcare reforms, the Minister informed that over 1.82 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been operationalized as the first point of contact for citizens.

Of these:

• 50,000 centres are certified under National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS)

• The target is to scale up to 1 lakh NQAS-certified centres

These facilities are central to delivering preventive, promotive and comprehensive primary healthcare services.

Uttarakhand Leaders Emphasise Regional Healthcare Strengthening

Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulated the graduates and highlighted the State Government's initiatives to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, medical education and emergency services, particularly in remote and hilly areas.

Shri Dhan Singh Rawat, Minister of Medical Health & Higher Education, Uttarakhand, praised SRHU's contribution to medical and higher education and encouraged graduates to engage in research, innovation and public health service, especially in underserved regions.

SRHU's Academic Milestone

Swami Rama Himalayan University, a leading institution in the Himalayan region, offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes across medicine, nursing, paramedical sciences, management, engineering and allied disciplines.

The convocation witnessed the conferment of degrees across multiple disciplines, marking a significant academic milestone for the graduating cohort.

Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, President, SRHU; Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, Vice-Chancellor; along with senior dignitaries, faculty members, parents and students were present at the ceremony.