Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Sunday addressed the Indian Medical Association’s National Conference, IMA NATCON 2025, in Ahmedabad and said that doctors will play a decisive role in building a strong and inclusive health ecosystem for a Viksit Bharat.
Addressing the conference on the occasion of the IMA’s 100th convention, Shah said that reaching the centenary milestone reflects the organisation’s century-long sacrifice, service and continuous contribution to the country’s healthcare sector. He called upon the IMA to redefine medical ethics in line with contemporary challenges and make them an integral part of medical education.
The Home Minister said the Modi government is committed to strengthening the healthcare system through a holistic approach, adding that initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Mission, Fit India, Khelo India, International Day of Yoga, Ayushman Bharat and Mission Indradhanush have brought transformational changes in public health.
Highlighting government efforts, Shah said free treatment of up to ₹5 lakh is being provided under Ayushman Bharat, Community and Primary Health Centre networks have been expanded, Jan Aushadhi Kendras have increased access to affordable medicines and GST on health insurance has been removed. He added that 1.81 lakh Ayushman Bharat Health Centres have proved beneficial for poor and rural citizens.
Shah said programmes such as ABHA and Mission Indradhanush have laid a strong foundation for children’s health from birth, while a 97 per cent reduction in malaria cases indicates that India is moving closer to becoming malaria-free. He also noted significant improvements in maternal and infant mortality rates and a sharp decline in diseases such as kala-azar and dengue.
Referring to infrastructure development, Shah said the Centre’s health budget has increased from ₹37,000 crore in 2013–14 to ₹1.28 lakh crore, and the number of medical seats has risen from 51,000 to 1.30 lakh. He added that expansion of AIIMS is underway and telemedicine initiatives will soon enable specialist consultations at PHCs and CHCs.
The Home Minister lauded the role of doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling their dedication and selfless service the country’s greatest human capital. He said Indian doctors stood united during the crisis, serving patients without concern for their own safety.
Shah urged the IMA to take a more active role in strengthening telemedicine, promoting medical research and shifting focus from illness-based treatment to wellness-oriented healthcare. He said the organisation should continue to play a key role in strengthening and fortifying India’s health infrastructure.
The conference was attended by representatives from across the country, including more than 5,000 IMA delegates from 27 states.
