JP Nadda vows to protect AIIMS brand, says will not allow any dilution in standards of teaching and faculty

Nadda, speaking at the BJMFCON 2024, highlighted that AIIMS-Delhi was established in the 1960s, emphasizing that it truly gained recognition as a prestigious institution in the 1980s.

J P Nadda, the Union Health Minister, emphasized his commitment on Sunday to maintaining high standards in teaching and faculty across all the new AIIMS establishments nationwide. He expressed determination to uphold the institution’s prestigious brand without compromise.

Speaking at the BJMFCON 2024, a gathering of physicians from Bihar and Jharkhand practicing in the Delhi-NCR region, Nadda highlighted that although AIIMS-Delhi was established in the 1960s, it wasn’t until the 1980s that it gained prominence as a renowned institution.

Nadda emphasized the importance of maintaining the high standards and reputation of AIIMS, stating that he is committed to ensuring the institution’s growth and success over the next decade or two. He also underscored the significance of upholding the integrity of faculty recruitment without any concessions.

The groundbreaking ceremony for AIIMS-Darbhanga will take place soon, as announced by the health minister. Additionally, AIIMS-Deoghar has already been commissioned, and the process of recruiting staff is currently in progress.

Nadda highlighted that various policy measures have been implemented to revolutionize medical education over the last decade. He emphasized that the 2017 health policy aimed for a comprehensive and holistic approach. Previously, the emphasis was mainly on curative measures, whereas now the strategy encompasses preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative aspects, reflecting a more well-rounded perspective.

Highlighting the focus of the government on preventative healthcare measures and the early detection of diseases nationwide, he mentioned the presence of 173,000 top-notch Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in India undergoing thorough digital evaluations.

In Bihar, a total of 10,716 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established, attracting 8.35 crore visitors. Moreover, there have been 4.36 crore screenings conducted for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) at these healthcare centers.

In Jharkhand, there are 3,825 comparable establishments with a total attendance of 2.33 crore, including 2.12 crore screenings for NCDs.

These centers primarily emphasize the early identification of non-communicable diseases.

Nadda pointed out the progress in maternal and child health, noting that “the rate of institutional deliveries rose from 78.9% to 88.6% during the initial five years of the Modi administration.

Nadda highlighted that over 2.2 billion doses have been distributed in the nation as part of the largest Covid-19 vaccination campaign globally.

The healthcare providers were praised by the health minister for their unwavering dedication to guaranteeing the availability of healthcare services, even in the most remote parts of the nation, emphasizing their contributions and commitment throughout the Covid-19 crisis.

Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the number of medical colleges has surged by 98%, rising from 387 before 2014 to 766 at present.

Jharkhand has five district hospitals that have been transformed into medical colleges, located in Dumka, Hazaribagh, Palamu, Chaibasa, and Kodarma, while Bihar boasts eight such institutions, including those in Purnia, Saran, Samastipur, Jhajharpur, Siwan, Buxar, and Jamui, as mentioned by Nadda. In total, 157 district hospitals have undergone this conversion.

He underscored that the transformation of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) is underway to convert it into the second-largest hospital in Asia.

He mentioned that the quantity of MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) positions has surged by 125%, escalating from 51,348 pre-2014 to 1,15,412 at present.

Nadda highlighted a 134% rise in postgraduate (PG) seats, increasing from 31,185 before 2014 to 73,111 presently. He also noted that treatment worth ₹86,797 crore has been sanctioned under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the largest health insurance scheme globally.

Nadda announced that the government has broadened the scope of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY to encompass individuals aged 70 and older, demonstrating a dedication to the healthcare of senior citizens. Eligible beneficiaries can now avail healthcare benefits of up to ₹5 lakh.

The reduction in child mortality was attributed to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by the health minister, alongside the claim that the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme lowered the out-of-pocket expenses of individuals.