CHANDIGARH – Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda presided over the 39th Convocation of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) today. Highlighting PGI’s role as a premier public healthcare ecosystem in North India, the Minister oversaw the graduation of 682 candidates, including 61 PhD and 114 DM graduates.
The ceremony was attended by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Dr. Vinod K. Paul, reflecting the institute’s status as a top-ranked medical facility (2nd in NIRF 2025).
Expansion of Medical Infrastructure
The Minister detailed the significant growth in India’s medical education landscape over the last decade:
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Institutional Growth: The number of AIIMS has increased from one to 23, and medical colleges have more than doubled to 818.
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Seat Surge: Total medical seats have crossed 2 lakh, with a goal of adding 75,000 more UG and PG seats in the next five years.
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Public Investment: Nadda noted that the government spends approximately ₹30-35 lakh per student annually, underlining the responsibility graduates have to serve society.
Research and Clinical Excellence
PGI Chandigarh continues to lead in complex medical procedures and high-impact research:
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Transplant Leadership: The institute performed 250 kidney transplants in 2025 and remains a national leader in simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) surgeries.
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Robust Ecosystem: Currently, over 850 extramural projects are underway, supported by global agencies like the WHO and NIH.
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Cutting-edge Tech: The campus is equipped with robotic surgical systems and high-end imaging to support its nearly 28 lakh annual outpatient visits.
Vision for Future Healthcare
Addressing the new doctors, Shri Nadda emphasized that while AI, gene therapy, and precision medicine are transforming the field, the “human touch” remains indispensable. He urged the graduates to balance technological proficiency with empathy and compassion as they transition into practical, responsibility-driven medical careers.
