Union Health Minister JP Nadda has pushed for an overhaul of India’s medical education curriculum to align with the latest technological advancement (AI, Tech & Soft Skills) and evolving healthcare needs. Speaking at a post-budget webinar organized by the Health Ministry, he outlined key initiatives and reforms aimed at improving medical education, healthcare accessibility, and infrastructure development.
Key Highlights of Nadda’s Address
Integration of AI & Digital Healthcare
- The revised medical curriculum will include Artificial Intelligence, telemedicine, and digital healthcare.
- Aims to enhance medical diagnostics, treatment precision, and remote patient care.
Focus on Soft Skills for Medical Students
- Empathy, ethics, and communication skills will be emphasized in medical training.
- Enhancing doctor-patient relationships for better healthcare outcomes.
Holistic Approach to Healthcare
- Not just curative care but also preventive, palliative, and rehabilitative healthcare models.
- Inclusion of AYUSH and alternative medical systems for wider healthcare access.
Boosting Cancer Treatment Infrastructure
- Establishment of Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals within three years.
- 200 centers to be set up this year to improve post-chemotherapy patient care.
- Strengthening oncology facilities at AIIMS and other major institutions.
Expansion of Medical Education
- Medical colleges increased from 387 in 2014 to 780 in 2025.
- 130% rise in undergraduate medical seats and 135% increase in postgraduate seats.
- Pooling faculty across medical institutions and hiring retired experts as visiting faculty.
- Competency-based medical education and early clinical exposure for students.
Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
- Over 1.75 lakh Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs established for accessible primary healthcare.
- AIIMS-Jhajjar’s National Cancer Institute and Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute upgraded.
- Oncology departments set up in all 22 AIIMS across the country.
Impact of Ayushman Bharat Scheme
- 90% rise in timely cancer treatment access due to Ayushman Bharat Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
- Faster initiation of treatment improving patient survival rates.
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What’s Next?
With these reforms, India’s medical education and healthcare landscape is set for a major transformation. The focus on technology, skill-building, and infrastructure development will enhance both the quality of education and patient care, ensuring a more efficient and accessible healthcare system for all.
