Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh today stressed on efforts to encourage the participation of the private sector in healthcare for achieving global standards in healthcare research.  Dr Singh said this while addressing the 54th Foundation day and convocation of University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi University in New Delhi. Dr Singh said that integration between academia, research and industry is the way forward. 

The Minister said that opening of opportunities for the private sector in areas of space, nuclear and biotechnology under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has helped to bridge the gap between public and private sector. With increase in the number of seats from only 45 thousand undergraduate seats ten years ago to about 1 lakh 50 thousand seats now, medical education across the country has been democratised and this has enabled more women to pursue medical careers. He described India’s healthcare system as accessible, affordable, and available, due to transformative initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, and Jan Aushadhi Kendras. 

Dr Singh also urged the graduates to work towards realising the country’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. The Minister also highlighted the recent breakthroughs of the country in the field of biotechnology and research, such as the first successful indigenous gene-therapy, the indigenously discovered antibiotic effective against respiratory infections, and the ongoing work to develop vaccines of Dengue and Malaria. He also distributed awards, medals and certificates to the graduates.  A Souvenir was released on the occasion to mark the institution’s 54-year journey.