Institutional deliveries rise to 89%, health indicators improve: JP Nadda
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda on Saturday addressed the Convocation Ceremony 2025–26 of Manav Rachna Educational Institutions, calling upon graduating students to uphold strong values and contribute meaningfully to society and nation-building.
Addressing the gathering, Nadda described the convocation as a key milestone that marks not only the completion of academic learning but also the beginning of greater responsibility towards the country. He urged students to move forward with discipline, ethical conduct and a spirit of public service.
The Union Minister said the graduating cohort is entering professional life during the second phase of Amrit Kaal, leading up to 2047, when India aims to become a developed nation. He noted that this period offers vast opportunities while also placing greater responsibility on the youth to participate actively in national development.
Highlighting progress made over the past eleven years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nadda said the number of AIIMS in the country has increased from six to 23, strengthening India’s healthcare infrastructure. He added that the country has recorded steady improvement across key health indicators.
Institutional deliveries have risen from 78 per cent to 89 per cent, while the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) have declined at nearly three times the global average, he said. Referring to tuberculosis control efforts, Nadda noted that World Health Organization has recognised India’s progress, with the TB decline rate being twice the global average. He also said malaria-related deaths have reduced to 0.6 per cent, despite India accounting for nearly one-sixth of the world’s population.
The Union Minister further stated that out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure has dropped significantly from 62 per cent to 39.4 per cent, supported by initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and large-scale screening programmes, improving access to affordable healthcare.
Emphasising the road ahead, Nadda urged students to balance quality and scale in service delivery while addressing the needs of India’s large population. He also acknowledged the role of parents, faculty and institutional leadership in shaping the academic journey of students.
Concluding his address, the Union Minister called upon graduates to give back to the society that enabled their success and to serve with commitment and integrity.
Earlier, Chancellor Dr. Prashant Bhalla congratulated the graduating students and highlighted the institution’s focus on academic excellence, innovation, industry collaboration and global exposure.
During the ceremony, Honoris Causa degrees were conferred on distinguished personalities for their contributions to society. A total of 2,150 students from disciplines including engineering, management, law, education, sciences and healthcare were awarded degrees, along with gold medals and academic honours.
