Rajnath Singh Says India Is Establishing New Standards in Medical Research

Summary:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India is making rapid advances in medical research through indigenous innovations in areas such as gene therapy, nuclear medicine, and medical technology. Speaking at the 22nd convocation of King George’s Medical University, he highlighted achievements including India’s first indigenous gene therapy for haemophilia, a homegrown MRI machine, and the development of Nafithromycin, the country’s first indigenous macrolide antibiotic. Singh also noted improvements in affordable healthcare through Jan Aushadhi Kendras, praised the expansion of medical education and healthcare infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, and emphasised the government’s commitment to building a self-reliant, accessible, and technology-driven healthcare system. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said India is achieving significant progress in medical research by developing homegrown technologies to tackle global healthcare challenges, particularly in areas such as gene therapy and nuclear medicine.

Speaking at the 22nd convocation ceremony of King George’s Medical University in Lucknow, Singh stated that the country’s healthcare system has become more self-reliant, affordable, accessible, technologically advanced, and focused on public welfare than ever before.

He highlighted that Indian researchers have successfully demonstrated an indigenous gene therapy for haemophilia, while scientists in Pune have created an advanced nanomedicine for breast cancer treatment. He also credited the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for accelerating domestic manufacturing of medical devices.

Referring to recent innovations, Singh noted that India developed Nafithromycin, the country’s first indigenous macrolide antibiotic, in 2024 for treating Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia. He also pointed out that India introduced its first locally developed MRI machine in 2023, describing it as affordable, lightweight, high-field, and capable of rapid imaging.

The minister said affordable, quality medicines are now reaching people through more than 19,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country. He also urged healthcare professionals to prioritise their own well-being, acknowledging that the demanding nature of their profession often exposes them to high levels of stress.

Singh further praised the progress made in Uttar Pradesh’s healthcare sector under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, noting that the number of medical colleges in the state has increased from 17 before 2017 to 81 today. He added that the state now has two operational AIIMS and has achieved the milestone of having at least one medical college in every district.

Emphasising the importance of strengthening medical education, Singh said the government has undertaken an unprecedented expansion of institutions to ensure the availability of sufficient doctors and specialists, ultimately improving the quality of healthcare services.