Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday highlighted the state’s remarkable progress in medical education, stating that Gujarat now trains over 7,000 doctors annually. Addressing the ‘All India Medical Conference – IMA NATCON 2025’ and the Indian Medical Association’s oath-taking ceremony in Ahmedabad, CM Patel emphasized the strides India has made in healthcare over the past decade through advanced facilities, modern infrastructure, and the adoption of the latest medical technologies.
Growth in India’s Healthcare and Medical Education
CM Patel underscored the rapid expansion of healthcare infrastructure across India, including the increase in AIIMS institutions, medical colleges, and super-specialty hospitals nationwide. Highlighting Gujarat’s own progress, he stated that healthcare and medical education have consistently been a priority for the state government.
“When Narendra Modi took office as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, the state had only 1,175 medical seats,” CM Patel said. “Today, with the vision of having a medical college in every district, Gujarat is preparing over 7,000 doctors annually.”
The Chief Minister also emphasized the broader national trends, noting that since 2014, India has witnessed significant growth in medical education:
- Number of medical colleges: 387 → 731 (88% increase)
- MBBS seats: 51,000 → over 1.12 lakh
- Postgraduate seats: 31,000 → 72,000 (133% increase)
Gujarat’s Vision for Long-Term Healthcare Development
Speaking about the state’s long-term development strategy, CM Patel shared details of the “Developed Gujarat @2047” roadmap, aligned with India’s national vision. The roadmap includes ambitious targets such as 100% universal healthcare coverage and the eradication of anemia and malnutrition.
He expressed confidence that the medical community will play a critical role in achieving a healthy, empowered, and prosperous Gujarat.
Historic Milestones and the Role of IMA
CM Patel described 2025 as a historic year, marking the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Patel and Birsa Munda, as well as the 150th anniversary of the composition of Vande Mataram, alongside the centenary year of the All India Medical Conference and IMA.
He noted that over more than a century, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has evolved from a professional body to a key institution safeguarding public health in India. Referring to the theme of IMA NATCON 2025, “Healthcare and Wellbeing for All,” CM Patel said it aligns with the vision of inclusive health services.
Congratulating participants for coming together under the centenary motto of Service, Science, and Synergy, he expressed hope that the discussions would give new direction to India’s healthcare sector. He also extended his best wishes to Dr. Anil Naik and his team, urging them to continue their work guided by the principle “Nation First, Patient First.”
Emphasis on Comprehensive Healthcare by Union Minister Amit Shah
On the occasion, Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted India’s efforts in building a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem, focusing on preventive care, wellness, and accessible healthcare for all.
About Gujarat’s Healthcare Achievements
Gujarat has emerged as a leading state in medical education and healthcare infrastructure, expanding the number of medical colleges, training thousands of doctors each year, and aligning its long-term development plans with national healthcare goals. The state continues to focus on universal healthcare coverage, advanced medical technologies, and public health initiatives to ensure a healthier future for all citizens.
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