New Delhi : The Union government is actively working to achieve the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended doctor-patient ratio of 1:1000, said Dr. Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth, Chairman of the National Medical Commission (NMC), on Saturday. Moreover, he spoke at the 11th Convocation Ceremony of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences (ABVIMS) and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.
Sheth congratulated the graduating students, their parents, and faculty members for guiding and motivating the students toward a career in healthcare. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of continuous learning and dedication to the medical profession.
“The government is committed to increasing the number of doctors in the country to meet WHO’s recommendation of a uniform doctor-patient ratio of 1:1000 nationwide,” Sheth said. Currently, India’s doctor-population ratio stands at 1:834.
He also explained ongoing efforts to achieve a balanced undergraduate (UG) to postgraduate (PG) ratio of 1:1, thereby aiming to elevate India’s healthcare system to match the standards of developed countries. In addition, Sheth highlighted innovative initiatives from the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences and the NMC, including integrating skill-based and virtual learning alongside traditional physical education. These steps aim to fulfill the requirements of competency-based medical education.
“Prioritise your health and well-being, persevere through challenges, and remain lifelong learners,” he told the students.
Dr. Vinod Kotwal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, noted that the convocation “marks the beginning of lifelong commitment to the health and well-being of the nation.” He further urged the students to pursue knowledge, discovery, and service with integrity, compassion, and respect.
“Medicine is not just about curing disease; it is about caring for patients who suffer,” he added. Meanwhile, Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), emphasized empathy for patients. “This is a noble calling built on compassion and an unwavering commitment to human life,” she said, encouraging graduates to remain humble and grounded, no matter how far they advance or how much they achieve.
During the ceremony, faculty awarded degrees to 250 postgraduate students, Doctorate of Medicine (DM) students, and the first batch of 100 MBBS graduates, thus celebrating their achievements and readiness to serve the nation.
–IANS
