Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, joined by Delhi's Lt. Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, presided over the 53rd Foundation Day and Convocation Ceremony at the University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS), University of Delhi. The event celebrated the achievements of UCMS's graduates while underscoring the critical role that healthcare professionals play in society.

In his keynote address, Minister Nadda commended the graduates for their dedication to the medical field and encouraged them to pursue their careers with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to public service. “Your efforts should be focused on shaping our national vision of Viksit Bharat,” he urged, advocating for a future where India’s healthcare services are accessible to all.

Nadda highlighted the government's dedication to bolstering the healthcare system and underscored the privilege that comes with medical education. “Basic education is everyone’s birthright, but professional education is a privilege that society bestows on only a few,” he said, emphasizing the significant investment the government makes in every medical student’s education. On average, the government spends between ₹30-35 lakh for each MBBS student, a commitment that Nadda hopes will inspire graduates to shoulder greater responsibility as they enter the medical profession.

Reflecting on healthcare policy advancements, Nadda pointed to the 2017 National Health Policy, which marked a shift from curative-focused care to a holistic approach that includes preventive, integrative, and curative healthcare. He also highlighted recent milestones in the healthcare sector, such as the establishment of 22 new AIIMS institutions, the creation of additional medical and nursing colleges, and a more than 100% increase in MBBS and MD seats. “Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to further add 75,000 medical seats in the next five years, and we are going to do it,” he announced, signaling the government’s ongoing efforts to bridge gaps in healthcare access.

The ceremony saw degrees conferred upon 146 MBBS graduates, 145 MD/MS graduates, 17 B.Sc (MT) Radiology graduates, 4 M.Sc (R&MIT) graduates, and 4 Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) certificate recipients. In addition, 62 awards for academic excellence were presented to students.

Addressing the gathering, Lt. Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena congratulated the new graduates and lauded UCMS’s dedication to producing skilled and empathetic healthcare professionals. “This convocation is a recognition of the tireless legacy of UCMS,” he stated, noting that the institution’s unwavering commitment to nurturing capable healthcare professionals is crucial in meeting the nation’s health challenges.

In celebration of UCMS’s legacy, a commemorative souvenir was released, documenting the academic achievements of the past year. As faculty, family, and friends applauded, the convocation marked a pivotal moment for the new graduates, who are now poised to begin their careers equipped with the knowledge and skills from one of India’s premier medical institutions.