Chandigarh, April 30 (IANS): Stressing that technology alone cannot define healthcare, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said the future of medicine must balance innovation with compassion, as empathy and human touch remain irreplaceable in healing. He emphasised the importance of combining technology with compassion in healthcare while addressing the 39th convocation of PGIMER, Chandigarh on Thursday. Highlighting the growing role of AI, telemedicine, and precision medicine, he said that while innovation will shape the future, empathy must remain at the core of medical practice.
The Minister also spoke about the rapid expansion of India’s medical education infrastructure, the role of institutions like PGIMER in advancing research, and the need for young doctors to stay grounded and committed to society.
Addressing the 39th convocation of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) here where 682 graduates were conferred degrees across multiple medical disciplines and 95 medals were awarded, Union Minister Nadda emphasised the need to combine technological advancement with compassion in medical practice.
"Technology will shape the future of medicine, but compassion must remain the soul of healthcare. Artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and precision medicine can advance treatment, yet nothing can replace the healing power of human touch and empathy," he said in his address.
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria attended the ceremony as the chief guest, while Vinod K. Paul, former NITI Aayog member, joined as the guest of honour.
Vivek Lal, PGIMER Director, and R.K. Ratho, Dean (Academics), shared the dais among other dignitaries.
Lauding the hospital's contribution to India's healthcare ecosystem, Union Minister Nadda said, "The PGIMER continues to strengthen its position as a premier centre of medical education, patient care, and research excellence. With over 850 ongoing extramural research projects and more than 100 intramural projects, the institute reflects a strong culture of innovation, scientific inquiry, and evidence-based medicine."
Highlighting India's healthcare transformation, the Union Minister noted, "A decade ago, India had only 387 medical colleges. Today, that number has risen to 820. Undergraduate medical seats have increased from 51,000 to 126,000, with a target to add 75,000 more undergraduate and postgraduate seats in the next five years, of which 28,000 have already been added in the past two years. Similarly, postgraduate seats have grown significantly from 31,000 to 85,000, reflecting the remarkable transformation of India's medical education landscape."
Reflecting on the larger responsibility of doctors, J.P. Nadda said, "Medical education is not merely a personal achievement; it is a privilege nurtured by society and supported by the nation. Every young doctor must carry forward this responsibility with humility, compassion, and commitment to give back to society."
The Union Minister, while reflecting on anecdotes from his own life, shared an important life lesson, saying, "Behind every successful doctor stands the silent sacrifice of parents, teachers, mentors, and countless individuals whose contributions shape a life of excellence. Staying grounded and grateful is the true mark of greatness."
Concluding his address, J.P. Nadda urged graduates to uphold institutional values, saying, "A medical degree is not merely an academic achievement; it is a lifelong responsibility towards humanity. Carry forward the values of compassion, ethics, humility and excellence that institutions like PGIMER have upheld for decades."
Earlier, PGIMER Director Lal highlighted the institute's achievements and national impact.
Speaking on telemedicine, the PGIMER Director said telemedicine, inaugurated by the Union Health Minister in 2016, has transformed healthcare accessibility, with PGIMER delivering more than 40 lakh tele-consultations free of cost through eSanjeevani, reducing travel burden and improving specialist access for patients across the country.
Apprising the gathering about PGIMER's role in national service, the Director Lal said, "During Operation Sindoor, PGIMER demonstrated its national responsibility through timely deployment of doctors and healthcare professionals, reaffirming that medical institutions are not only centres of healing but also pillars of national preparedness."
Highlighting the impact of public welfare schemes, he added that under Ayushman Bharat nearly Rs 650 crore has been utilised for patient care, treating more than 2.5 lakh patients till date, significantly reducing financial burden on families.
Treatments costing Rs 10-15 lakh elsewhere have become accessible at a fraction of the cost, the PGIMER Director said.
