Degrees Carry A Duty To Serve, Says Anupriya Patel, Calling On Young Doctors To Uphold Ethics And Compassion

Urging young doctors to see medicine not merely as a profession but as a lifelong social responsibility, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel on Saturday called upon graduating students to uphold ethical medical practice, compassion and a deep commitment to serving underserved and marginalised communities.

Addressing the 7th annual convocation ceremony of Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital in the national capital, Patel reminded students that the degrees they were receiving symbolised far more than academic achievement. “These degrees are not just certificates of merit. They represent compassion, dedication and perseverance — values that must guide you throughout your medical careers,” she said.

Emphasising the human side of medicine, the minister urged the new doctors to never lose the “touch of humanity” in their practice. “As doctors, you have entered into a social contract with society. Your responsibility goes beyond hospitals and clinics — it extends to those who are vulnerable, marginalised and often left behind,” she added.

Highlighting the transformation of India’s healthcare system over the last 11 years, Patel said the government has worked to strengthen healthcare across all levels — primary, secondary and tertiary. At the grassroots level, she noted, over 1.82 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are now operational across the country, delivering comprehensive primary healthcare services closer to people’s homes.

At the secondary level, Patel said efforts are underway to bridge long-standing gaps in Community Health Centres (CHCs) and district hospitals, while at the tertiary level, the government has expanded advanced healthcare facilities and significantly reimagined medical education. “This integrated approach is aimed at ensuring continuity of care and reducing the burden on tertiary hospitals,” she said.

The minister underlined the rapid expansion of medical education infrastructure in the country. “In the last 11 years, the number of medical colleges has more than doubled — from 387 to 819. The number of AIIMS has increased from 7 to 23. Undergraduate medical seats have risen from about 51,000 to 1.28 lakh, while postgraduate seats have increased from 31,000 to nearly 82,000,” she said.

Patel also highlighted the impact of flagship government schemes in improving healthcare access. Under the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), she said, over 62 crore people — more than 40 per cent of India’s population — are now entitled to free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, making it the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance programme.

In addition, initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana and Amrit Pharmacies are helping make medicines, medical devices and surgical implants affordable by offering them at significantly reduced prices. “Affordability is as crucial as availability when it comes to healthcare,” Patel observed.

Pointing to India’s growing leadership in digital health and medical innovation, the minister said technology is playing a central role in achieving the goal of universal healthcare. She encouraged young doctors to actively engage in academics and research, noting that innovation and evidence-based practice will be key to addressing future health challenges.

On the occasion, degrees were awarded to more than 217 postgraduate students, 136 undergraduate students and 40 super-specialty students, while 43 students received medals for outstanding academic performance and dedication.

Senior dignitaries present at the event included Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, Vice-Chancellor, GGSIPU, Dr Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services; Prof. (Dr.) Sandeep Bansal, Director, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, Prof. (Dr.) Geetika Khanna, Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Charu Bamba, Medical Superintendent, and senior officials from the Union Health Ministry.