Amit Shah says doctors are key to a strong health ecosystem at IMA Natcon 2025
Ahmedabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said doctors would play a decisive role in building a strong health ecosystem for a Viksit Bharat while addressing the Indian Medical Association’s national conference, IMA Natcon 2025, in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
He said the Modi government viewed healthcare as a service-oriented sector and had prioritised reforms that made treatment affordable, accessible, and preventive. He added that the country’s doctors formed its greatest human capital, especially during times of crisis.
Shah said the Indian Medical Association completing 100 years reflected its sacrifice, service, and continuous contribution to public health. He noted that the centenary also marked the right moment to reassess medical ethics and align them with present-day realities.
He urged the IMA to take the lead in redefining century-old medical ethics and integrating them into medical education. Ethics, he said, could not be imposed by law and must instead evolve through responsibility and training.
Health reforms and doctors’ role in Viksit Bharat
Amit Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047. To achieve this, he said, the country needed a physically and mentally healthy population, with doctors playing a central role.
He said initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Mission reduced disease by improving sanitation, while Fit India, Khelo India and International Yoga Day promoted preventive healthcare. As a result, he said, yoga adoption had increased significantly across the country.
Referring to IMA Natcon 2025, Shah said Ayushman Bharat transformed healthcare delivery by providing free treatment up to ₹5 lakh for poor families. In several states, coverage extended up to ₹15 lakh through additional schemes.
He said Mission Indradhanush strengthened child immunisation, while investments of ₹1.65 lakh crore improved PHCs and CHCs. The government also expanded Jan Aushadhi Kendras and removed GST on health insurance, making healthcare more affordable.
Shah said medical seats increased from 51,000 to 1.3 lakh, enabling the training of more doctors each year. He added that AIIMS expansion and telemedicine would soon connect PHCs and CHCs with specialist care.
Highlighting outcomes, Shah said malaria cases dropped by 97 percent, kala-azar declined sharply, and dengue mortality fell to one percent. Maternal and infant mortality rates also reduced due to effective implementation.
He asked the IMA to strengthen telemedicine, promote medical research, and shift focus from illness to wellness. He also called on the association to guide doctors in lifestyle counselling and preventive care.
Recalling the COVID-19 pandemic, Shah praised doctors for serving without regard for personal safety. He said their dedication during the crisis reflected the highest standards of service and commitment.
Shah said more than 5,000 representatives from 27 states attended IMA Natcon 2025 and expressed confidence that the newly elected leadership would take the organisation forward with renewed energy.
