India’s Healthcare Reforms Deliver Strong Gains, Says Health Minister at Convocation

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda highlighted India’s recent public health achievements while addressing a convocation ceremony at Swami Rama Himalayan University, stating that focused policy measures and expanded healthcare access have produced outcomes surpassing global averages. He pointed to a marked decline in tuberculosis incidence, noting that India’s progress has outpaced worldwide reduction trends through sustained public health strategies and community-driven interventions. Reflecting on the pandemic response, Nadda described India’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign as historic, with more than 220 crore doses administered, demonstrating the scale and resilience of the country’s health system. Emphasizing financial protection, the Minister said Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana now extends ₹5 lakh health cover per family to nearly 62 crore people. He added that independent studies indicate improved access to timely cancer treatment and stronger financial security for beneficiaries. He also observed a steady decline in out-of-pocket healthcare spending over the past decade. Nadda underscored the importance of primary care, noting that over 1.82 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational nationwide, with 50,000 already certified under National Quality Assurance Standards. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and State Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat praised the university’s role in strengthening medical education. The ceremony concluded with the conferment of degrees across disciplines, attended by university leadership, faculty, students, and parents.