Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda addressed the 8th Convocation Ceremony of Swami Rama Himalayan University in Dehradun, highlighting significant improvements in India’s public health indicators and expansion of healthcare infrastructure over the past decade.
Congratulating the graduating students, Shri J P Nadda described the convocation as both a culmination of years of academic effort and the beginning of a professional journey marked by responsibility and service. He urged the graduates to uphold the highest standards of the medical profession and dedicate their knowledge and skills to the service of humanity.
Detailing progress in the health sector, the Minister stated that the number of AIIMS has increased from 6 to 23 in the last eleven years, strengthening access to tertiary healthcare services across the country. Institutional deliveries have risen to nearly 89 per cent, reflecting improved maternal healthcare outreach and infrastructure.
Shri Nadda noted that the Maternal Mortality Ratio has declined from 130 per lakh live births a decade ago to 88 per lakh live births. The Infant Mortality Rate has reduced from 39 per thousand live births to 27 per thousand live births during the same period. He added that, according to estimates from the World Health Organization and UN agencies, India has achieved a faster decline in the Under-5 Mortality Rate over the past decade compared to the global average.
Referring to communicable disease control, the Minister said India has recorded a substantial decline in tuberculosis incidence, outperforming the global average reduction. He also highlighted India’s COVID-19 vaccination drive, under which more than 220 crore vaccine doses, including precautionary and booster doses, have been administered nationwide.
On financial protection in healthcare, Shri Nadda underscored the role of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which provides health cover of ₹5 lakh per family. He stated that the scheme now benefits nearly 62 crore people, covering around 40 per cent of the population. Citing independent evaluations and international medical journal evidence, he said the scheme has improved access to timely cancer care and strengthened financial protection for eligible families.
The Minister further pointed to a substantial reduction in Out of Pocket Expenditure on healthcare over the past decade. He also noted progress in malaria control, stating that despite accounting for nearly one sixth of the global population, India has reduced malaria incidence and mortality in line with World Health Organization reported trends.
Emphasising the importance of primary healthcare, Shri Nadda informed that more than 1.82 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational across the country as the first point of contact for citizens. Of these, 50,000 centres have been certified under National Quality Assurance Standards, with a target to increase this number to 1 lakh certified centres.
Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami also addressed the gathering and congratulated the graduates. He highlighted the State Government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, medical education and emergency services, particularly in remote and hilly regions. He acknowledged the contribution of Swami Rama Himalayan University in developing a skilled healthcare workforce.
Shri Dhan Singh Rawat, Minister of Medical Health and Higher Education, Uttarakhand, appreciated the University’s role in advancing medical and higher education. He encouraged the graduates to contribute actively to research, innovation and public health services, especially in underserved areas.
Swami Rama Himalayan University, established with the vision of promoting excellence in healthcare and higher education, offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in medical, paramedical, nursing, management, engineering and allied sciences. The ceremony marked the conferment of degrees across disciplines.
Dr Vijay Dhasmana, President of Swami Rama Himalayan University; Dr Rajendra Dobhal, Vice Chancellor; faculty members, parents and students were present at the convocation ceremony.
