Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Delivers Keynote Address at the 42nd Foundation Day of National Board of Examinations in Medical Science
On the occasion of the 42nd Foundation Day of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), the Union Health Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, delivered a keynote address, highlighting the significant progress made in the field of medical education in India. The event took place in the presence of Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State, and Dr. V.K Paul, Member of Health, Niti Aayog.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya commended the institute and its governing members on the launch of various initiatives and courses. He emphasized that in the past two years alone, 25 new courses have been introduced, providing greater opportunities for medical students in India. He stressed that these developments enable the country to offer the best healthcare services and produce expert doctors, thus fulfilling the nation’s requirements and contributing to a healthier society and nation.
During the event, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled nine initiatives launched by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences. These initiatives include 11 new fellowship courses in medicine, a Diploma in Emergency Medicine, an Exam Command Center, a Center for Computer-Based Tests, the second edition of the Good Clinical Practice Guidelines, a Joint Accreditation Programme for Stand-Alone Labs and Diagnostic Centers, a Skills and Virtual Training Programme, the introduction of the Faculty Title to NBEMS Teachers, and the establishment of a Medical Library.
Additionally, Dr. Mandaviya and Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel awarded healthcare experts in several categories, including the Nari Shakti Awards, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Awards of Excellence, the Executive Director Certificate of Appreciation Award, and the President NBEMS Award of Excellence. Notably, Dr. V.K Paul received the prestigious President NBEMS Award of Excellence.
In his address, the Minister of State, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, expressed his admiration for the healthcare workers, particularly the para-medical staff, who demonstrated immense bravery during the crisis. He acknowledged their contribution in enhancing the perception of India as a powerhouse in the field of healthcare. Prof. Bhagel further praised the vision of the Prime Minister, who aspires for a healthy world, aligned with the motto of “One Earth, One Health.”
Highlighting the strength and value of Indian doctors, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel mentioned that Indian doctors can be found in every part of the globe, serving with dedication. He cited the ABHA card as a significant development in Indian healthcare, as it enables the provision of medical services in remote areas, benefiting marginalized communities. He encouraged the toppers present at the event to share their experiences and motivations with colleges and schools in smaller cities and villages, inspiring aspiring medical professionals to achieve greatness.
Dr. V.K Paul, in his speech, lauded the growth and development of medical education and institutions in India. He emphasized the transformative time for medical education due to various initiatives introduced in the system. Notably, the National Board of Examinations witnessed a significant increase in post-graduate seats, from 4,000 to over 13,000. Dr. Paul mentioned the addition of the National Medical Commission as a new regulator, the implementation of NEET with a competency-based curriculum, and the District Regency Program, which mandates post-graduate students to provide services in district hospitals for three months each, thus serving the underprivileged.
Dr. Paul highlighted the remarkable growth of medical colleges, with the number increasing from 387 to 704. Moreover, 52 new colleges were added this year, setting a new record. The availability of seats for medical students also increased substantially, from 52,000 to 107,000 for under-graduate and from 32,000 to 67,000 for post-graduate courses. Dr. Paul urged the upcoming doctors and experts in the field to contribute their best during this golden era of medical education.
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. For the past four decades, NBEMS has been conducting examinations in the field of modern medicine on an all-India basis. The organization has utilized the infrastructure of various hospitals to provide quality post-graduate and postdoctoral training. NBEMS is responsible for administering important examinations like NEET-PG, NEET-SS, and NEET-MDS. Additionally, NBEMS has accredited over 1,100 hospitals, offering more than 12,000 PG seats in various specialties.
The event witnessed the presence of officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, including Abhijath Seth, President of NBEMS, Dr. Minu Bajpai, Honorary Executive Director of NBEMS, and members of the governing body of NBEMS.
Overall, the 42nd Foundation Day of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences marked a significant milestone in the growth and development of medical education in India. With the launch of new initiatives and the recognition of healthcare experts, India’s healthcare sector is poised to provide better services and produce highly skilled doctors, contributing to the nation’s progress and a healthier future for all.
