J.P. Nadda commends AIIMS Bathinda's growing impact on healthcare delivery

Addressing the gathering, Nadda described the occasion as a moment of pride not only for the graduates but also for their families, teachers and the broader AIIMS Bathinda community.

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda, addressed the second Convocation Ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bathinda, congratulating graduating students as they embark on their professional journeys and highlighting the institution's growing contribution to healthcare, medical education and research in India.

The convocation ceremony brought together students, parents, faculty members, healthcare professionals and dignitaries to celebrate the achievements of a new generation of medical professionals.

Addressing the gathering, Nadda described the occasion as a moment of pride not only for the graduates but also for their families, teachers and the broader AIIMS Bathinda community. He praised the institute for its rapid development and expanding role in strengthening tertiary healthcare services in Punjab and neighbouring regions.

AIIMS Bathinda Emerging as a Regional Healthcare Hub

The Union Health Minister commended AIIMS Bathinda for its growing impact on healthcare delivery and patient care.

According to Nadda, the institution currently serves approximately 3,000 outpatients daily through its Outpatient Department (OPD), while around 600 patients receive treatment through its Inpatient Department (IPD) every day.

He noted that the institute continues to uphold the high standards associated with the AIIMS brand while expanding access to quality healthcare services in the region.

Since its establishment, AIIMS Bathinda has steadily developed into an important centre for healthcare, education and specialised medical services, helping to improve healthcare accessibility for communities across Punjab and neighbouring states.

Community Outreach Extends Beyond Hospital Walls

A significant portion of Nadda's address focused on AIIMS Bathinda's commitment to community healthcare and preventive medicine.

He praised the institute's outreach initiatives, particularly its Ayushman health camps, which are organised twice every month across 59 nearby villages. These camps provide screening services for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer.

The Minister highlighted how these programmes contribute to early disease detection and improved health outcomes among rural populations.

In addition to health camps, AIIMS Bathinda has expanded its reach through telemedicine services, mobile medical units, rural awareness programmes and various healthcare outreach initiatives.

According to Nadda, these efforts demonstrate the institution's commitment to delivering healthcare beyond traditional hospital settings and reaching underserved communities.

India's Healthcare Model Undergoing Transformation

The Health Minister used the occasion to highlight the broader transformation of India's healthcare system under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He explained that the country's healthcare approach has evolved from a predominantly curative model to a more comprehensive framework that incorporates preventive, promotive, rehabilitative, palliative and geriatric care.

This shift reflects a growing emphasis on preventing disease, promoting wellness and improving quality of life rather than focusing solely on treatment after illness occurs.

Nadda noted that more than 1.82 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are now serving as the first point of contact for healthcare services across India, significantly expanding access to primary healthcare.

Massive Expansion of Preventive Health Screening

Preventive healthcare remains a central pillar of the government's health strategy.

Nadda revealed that individuals over the age of 30 are being encouraged to undergo regular health screenings through Panchayats, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and frontline healthcare workers.

The scale of these initiatives is reflected in the screening figures shared during the event:

• More than 36 crore people have been screened for oral cancer.

• Over 17 crore women have undergone breast cancer screening.

• More than 9 crore women have been screened for cervical cancer.

• More than 42 crore people have been screened for diabetes.

• Over 42 crore individuals have also been screened for hypertension.

• A nationwide tuberculosis screening campaign is currently underway.

These large-scale screening programmes are aimed at identifying diseases early and reducing long-term healthcare burdens.

Research and Innovation Critical to Future Healthcare

The Union Health Minister also emphasised the importance of medical research and innovation in improving healthcare outcomes.

He praised AIIMS Bathinda's National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-accredited laboratories and encouraged the institution to emerge as a leading centre for medical research and scientific innovation.

Nadda stressed that advancements in research are essential for addressing emerging health challenges, improving treatment methods and enhancing patient care.

He urged the institution to continue building its research capabilities while maintaining its commitment to academic excellence.

Healthcare Central to India's Development Vision

Linking healthcare to broader national development goals, Nadda stated that India's vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, often referred to as Viksit Bharat@2047, depends on building a healthy and productive population.

He emphasised that while governments can provide infrastructure, equipment and modern healthcare facilities, the success of healthcare systems ultimately depends on healthcare professionals.

According to Nadda, doctors, nurses and healthcare workers remain the backbone of the healthcare system.

He described healthcare infrastructure as the "hardware" of healthcare, while healthcare professionals represent its "software", highlighting the indispensable role played by medical practitioners in delivering quality care.

Medical Education Expansion Reaches Historic Levels

One of the most significant achievements highlighted by Nadda was the rapid expansion of India's medical education sector over the past decade.

The Minister outlined several key milestones:

• The number of AIIMS institutions has increased to 23.

• Medical colleges have expanded from 387 to more than 820.

• Undergraduate medical seats have increased from approximately 59,000 to more than 1.28 lakh.

• Postgraduate medical seats have grown from around 31,000 to over 86,000.

He further announced that the government plans to add 75,000 additional undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats over the next five years.

Nearly 23,000 new seats have already been established during the last two years.

The expansion is intended to address healthcare workforce shortages and improve access to medical education across the country.

India's Public Health Successes Highlighted

Nadda also reflected on several major public health achievements recorded by India in recent years.

Among the accomplishments highlighted were:

• India's certification as a polio-free country in 2014.

• Elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015.

• Trachoma no longer being considered a public health concern.

• Significant progress towards eliminating Kala-azar.

• Continued advances in combating leprosy.

• Ongoing efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis.

These achievements, he said, demonstrate the effectiveness of sustained public health interventions and national healthcare programmes.

Advanced Cancer and Critical Care Facilities Inaugurated

During his visit, the Health Minister inaugurated several advanced healthcare facilities at AIIMS Bathinda aimed at enhancing specialised medical services.

Among the key facilities launched were:

PET-CT Facility

A state-of-the-art Positron Emission Tomography–Computed Tomography (PET-CT) facility was inaugurated to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment capabilities.

Second High Energy Linear Accelerator Unit

Nadda also inaugurated a second High Energy Linear Accelerator (HELA) unit, strengthening precision-based cancer treatment services at the institute.

These facilities are expected to significantly improve early cancer detection, accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment options for patients from Punjab and neighbouring states.

New Burns ICU and Child Development Centre Opened

The Minister also inaugurated a dedicated Burns Intensive Care Unit (Burns ICU), equipped with advanced infrastructure to provide specialised care for patients suffering from severe burn injuries.

In addition, he dedicated the Child Development and Early Intervention Centre (CDEIC) to the community.

The first facility of its kind in the region, the CDEIC will focus on the early detection, diagnosis and management of developmental disorders and disabilities among children.

Healthcare experts believe the centre will play a critical role in improving child health outcomes through early intervention and specialised support.

Wellness Centre Promotes Holistic Health

Recognising the importance of physical and mental well-being, Nadda also inaugurated a new Gymnasium and Wellness Centre at AIIMS Bathinda.

The facility is designed to promote healthy lifestyles, physical fitness and mental wellness among students, faculty members and staff.

The initiative reflects growing recognition of the importance of wellness and self-care within healthcare institutions.