India’s Healthcare Future Depends on Skilled Nurses and Allied Professionals, Says Punya Salila Srivastava at JIPMER Convocation

India’s nursing and allied healthcare professionals will play a defining role in building a healthier and more developed nation as the country moves toward its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said while addressing the 12th Convocation of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences courses at JIPMER today.

The convocation ceremony at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry — an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare — marked a major academic milestone for 320 graduating students across nursing, public health, and allied healthcare disciplines.

Addressing graduates, faculty members, and dignitaries, the Union Health Secretary described the occasion as a “defining milestone” and urged students to dedicate their careers to service, compassion, ethical practice, and nation-building.

“As graduates of the prestigious JIPMER, you carry forward a legacy of commitment, competence, and ethical service that must continue throughout your professional journey,” she said.

Ayushman Bharat Driving Massive Transformation in Public Healthcare

Highlighting India’s evolving healthcare landscape, Smt. Srivastava outlined the transformative impact of the Ayushman Bharat programme and its role in reshaping healthcare delivery across the country.

She said the Government’s healthcare strategy is guided by the National Health Policy 2017, which promotes a comprehensive approach spanning:

• Preventive healthcare

• Promotive healthcare

• Curative services

• Rehabilitative care

• Palliative care

The Health Secretary noted that every graduating healthcare professional would contribute to strengthening one or more of these critical pillars.

A major focus of her address was the rapid expansion of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, which now number more than 1.8 lakh across India.

She described these centres as a “paradigm shift” in public healthcare delivery, moving beyond traditional reproductive and child healthcare services toward comprehensive screening, prevention, and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The centres are now expected to deliver at least 12 major healthcare service packages, including:

• Mental healthcare

• Palliative care

• Diabetes screening

• Hypertension management

• Early disease detection services

Digital Health and Infrastructure Expansion

The Union Health Secretary also highlighted the broader pillars of the Ayushman Bharat initiative, including:

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY

The flagship health assurance scheme continues to provide financial protection and healthcare access to millions of beneficiaries nationwide.

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

She emphasised the importance of digital healthcare transformation through ABHA accounts, which enable seamless digital health records and data-driven healthcare delivery.

PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)

The Government is simultaneously strengthening healthcare infrastructure through:

• Expansion of critical care blocks

• Upgrading health facilities

• Expansion of Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs)

• Improved emergency and disease surveillance systems

Quality Healthcare Standards Expanding Nationwide

Emphasising healthcare quality and accountability, Smt. Srivastava highlighted the role of Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) and National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) in strengthening healthcare delivery systems.

She informed that more than 2 lakh public health facilities — including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Community Health Centres, and District Hospitals — are currently being assessed for infrastructure and service gaps.

According to the Secretary, nearly 64,000 public health facilities have already achieved NQAS certification, reflecting growing emphasis on quality healthcare systems.

She encouraged graduating students to actively contribute toward quality improvement wherever they serve.

Massive Push to Strengthen Healthcare Workforce

Calling nursing and allied healthcare professionals the “backbone” of India’s healthcare system, the Union Health Secretary highlighted major legislative and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the sector.

She pointed to key reforms including:

• National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Act

• National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act

These reforms are designed to modernise professional education, improve regulation, and strengthen healthcare standards nationwide.

The Government has also launched significant capacity-building measures, including the establishment of 157 nursing colleges co-located with medical colleges across India.

Additionally, the Government aims to develop 1 lakh healthcare professionals over the next five years to address rising healthcare demands.

Indian Healthcare Professionals Expanding Global Presence

Smt. Srivastava highlighted India’s growing international healthcare engagement and increasing global demand for Indian medical professionals.

She noted that India is entering strategic healthcare partnerships with countries including:

• Italy

• United Kingdom

• France

These collaborations are creating expanding international opportunities for Indian healthcare workers, particularly in nursing and allied health sectors.

Describing graduates as “India’s ambassadors” in global healthcare, she encouraged them to uphold the country’s reputation for competence, compassion, and excellence.

JIPMER Convocation Celebrates Academic Excellence

The convocation ceremony saw degrees awarded to 320 students across multiple disciplines, including:

• 55 students in M.Sc. Nursing

• 49 students in M.Sc. Allied Health Sciences

• 36 students in Master of Public Health (MPH)

• 94 students in B.Sc. Nursing

• 86 students in B.Sc. Allied Health Sciences

In recognition of academic excellence, 24 students received medals and endowment prizes for securing top positions in their respective courses.

The event was attended by Dr. Sharat Chauhan, Chief Secretary to the Government of Puducherry, JIPMER Director Dr. Vir Singh Negi, faculty members, parents, and distinguished guests.

Officials said the convocation reaffirmed JIPMER’s continued commitment to excellence in medical education, research, and patient care while contributing to the creation of a resilient and future-ready healthcare system for India.