Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda recently stated that young doctors can pursue careers abroad. However, he emphasized they can no longer cite a lack of facilities in India as justification. Speaking at the 21st convocation ceremony of King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow, Nadda urged graduates to utilize the country’s existing medical institutions and resources.
Minister Addresses Overseas Employment
Nadda confirmed doctors wishing to work overseas are free to do so. He reiterated that complaints about inadequate facilities or infrastructure in India are now invalid. “Institutions are here, facilities are here, and infrastructure is also here. Make use of them,” Nadda instructed the medical graduates.
Significant Infrastructure Development
The Union Health Minister highlighted a transformation in India’s medical education and healthcare infrastructure. The number of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) facilities now stands at 23 across the nation. This marks a substantial increase from just one AIIMS previously. Nadda attributed this expansion directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
He noted that this growth ensures India’s medical capabilities are not only robust internally but also contribute globally. Nadda stated that India’s health services now cater to the entire world, alongside serving the nation’s needs.
Medical Education: A Privilege and Responsibility
Nadda informed graduating doctors that medical education is a privilege. It is not a birthright, unlike basic school education. He stressed that only a select few receive this advanced opportunity. Nadda called on the graduates to acknowledge this privilege. He urged them to contribute their skills back to society.
The average expenditure incurred to train one doctor totals approximately Rs 35 lakh , Nadda stated. He praised young doctors for their dedication, noting instances of working for “36 hours straight.” Nadda advised them to prioritize perseverance and job satisfaction over seeking external “certification” for their hard work. He urged graduates to continually upgrade their skills with emerging technologies. He also encouraged them to commit their work to humanitarian service.
Expansive Healthcare Schemes
The minister referenced the Ayushman Bharat scheme . He described it as the world’s largest health insurance program. This initiative provides a health cover of Rs 5 lakh to over 62 crore people. The scheme aims to make quality healthcare accessible to a wide population across the country.
KGMU’s Noteworthy Achievements
The convocation ceremony was presided over by Governor Anandiben Patel. Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, and Minister of State Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh were among other dignitaries present. Nadda congratulated KGMU for its prominent role in medical service and research. He specifically recognized the university’s achievements in complex medical procedures. These include cornea, liver, and kidney transplants. Nadda highlighted KGMU’s glorious history and global reputation in the medical field, asserting its service to humanity worldwide.