‘MBBS seats rise 172% to over 1.4 lakh’
Vijayawada, Oct 26: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Monday said the number of medical colleges in India had more than doubled since 2014, rising from 387 to 846, while MBBS seats had increased by 172 per cent to over 1.4 lakh.
Addressing the 40th (Ruby Jubilee) anniversary celebrations of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, the Vice-President said postgraduate medical seats had also risen by 177 per cent, from around 31,000 to over 86,000.
Highlighting the expansion of medical education in the country, Radhakrishnan said the next priority must be to strengthen medical research and innovation to address pressing healthcare challenges.
He urged medical institutions and students to focus on developing solutions to healthcare problems facing humanity and expressed hope that researchers from Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences would achieve global recognition, including the Nobel Prize, through their contributions to medical science.
Congratulating the university on completing four decades of service to medical education and healthcare, the Vice-President said the institution embodied the vision of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao.
He described NTR as a leader whose vision and public service extended beyond regional boundaries and reflected a broader commitment to the welfare of the nation.
Referring to emerging technologies in healthcare, Radhakrishnan said artificial intelligence, digital health, telemedicine and advanced diagnostic technologies were transforming the sector.
He encouraged the university to establish collaborations with leading universities to provide students and researchers greater exposure to advanced research and emerging technologies.
However, he stressed that technological progress must be guided by scientific validation, patient safety, data privacy and ethical responsibility. Technology, he said, could not replace the compassion and human connection central to the doctor-patient relationship.
The Vice-President also called upon doctors and healthcare professionals to play a proactive role in raising awareness against drug abuse, describing the fight against drugs as a collective responsibility.
As part of the programme, he joined participants in taking a pledge to oppose drug abuse and promote a drug-free society. He also released a souvenir commemorating the university’s 40-year journey.
Andhra Pradesh Governor and university Chancellor S. Abdul Nazeer, State Minister for Housing, Information and Public Relations Kolusu Parthasarathy, Vice-Chancellor P. Chandrasekhar, President of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board of the National Medical Commission M. K. Ramesh and other dignitaries attended the event.
