Health Minister JP Nadda Advocates AI, Telemedicine in Medical Education

Nadda also emphasized the integration of AYUSH and other medical systems into mainstream healthcare, ensuring wider access to treatment options.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda has called for integrating AI, telemedicine, and digital healthcare into India's medical education curriculum.

Speaking at a recent webinar, the Union Minister emphasized the need for a modernized, practical, and student-friendly curriculum that effectively utilizes existing medical infrastructure and faculty.

Nadda also stressed the importance of soft skills in medical training, urging educators to inculcate empathy, ethics, and communication skills in students.

"The biggest investment is the investment in people," he remarked, highlighting the necessity of well-rounded medical professionals capable of addressing both technical and emotional aspects of patient care.

Holistic Approach to Healthcare

The minister reiterated the government's holistic healthcare approach, which goes beyond curative treatments to incorporate preventive, palliative, and rehabilitative care.

He emphasized the integration of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) and other medical systems into mainstream healthcare, ensuring wider access to treatment options.

A key initiative discussed was the expansion of Day Care Cancer Centres to manage long-term chemotherapy and post-treatment patient care.

"Cancer treatment requires continuous engagement, and large hospitals alone cannot meet the rising demand. We are establishing Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals over the next three years, with 200 set to be launched this year," he announced.

Strengthening Medical Infrastructure

Nadda highlighted the significant medical education and infrastructure growth over the past decade.

The number of medical colleges has increased from 387 in 2014 to 780 today, with a 130% rise in undergraduate medical seats and a 135% increase in postgraduate seats.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to expanding medical education, ensuring that qualified healthcare professionals meet the needs of a growing population.

The government is also prioritizing Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs, with over 1.75 lakh such centers established to provide accessible and quality healthcare at the grassroots level.

Expanding Cancer Care Services

Addressing advancements in cancer treatment infrastructure, Nadda cited major developments such as the establishment of the National Cancer Institute at AIIMS-Jhajjar, the upgradation of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata, and the creation of oncology departments in all 22 AIIMS across the country.

He also referenced a recent study published in The Lancet, which found that the Ayushman Bharat Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) has significantly improved early cancer treatment access.

"Patients under AB-PMJAY experienced a 90% increase in access to treatment within 30 days," he noted, reinforcing the scheme's impact on timely medical intervention.

Innovations in Medical Education

To improve medical education and faculty availability, Health Minister Nadda supported innovative solutions such as faculty pooling among medical institutes and hiring retired teachers as visiting faculty.

He also backed the introduction of competency-based medical education, early clinical exposure for students, and enhanced communication skills training for both students and faculty members.

With continuous advancements in medical education, infrastructure, and technology, India's healthcare sector is set to become more efficient, accessible, and patient-centric, further strengthening its position as a global leader in medical innovation.

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