Medical Education Is a Privilege, Not a Right: Nadda Urges Young Doctors to Serve Society with Commitment and Responsibility

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Saturday underlined that medical students must devote themselves wholeheartedly to the service of society, as the health and well-being of millions of citizens depend directly on their knowledge, skills, and sense of duty.

He reminded aspiring doctors that the government invests heavily in their education and, in return, they are morally and professionally bound to give back to society.

Addressing the 21st convocation ceremony of King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow, Nadda said that while education may be considered a birthright, medical education certainly is not.

He stressed that medical education is a privilege, not an entitlement. “Institutions are here, facilities are here, and infrastructure is also here.

Students must make full use of them. School education can be a birthright, college education can be a birthright, but medical education is not,” he said.

Pointing to the enormous public investment involved, Nadda noted that the government spends nearly ₹30–35 lakh every year on each medical seat.

He added that the state cabinet has recently sanctioned 1,000 additional seats in medical colleges, further expanding opportunities.

“You owe it to society,” he told the graduating students. “The government is investing heavily in your making, and with that comes responsibility. The health of citizens depends on your dedication, ethics, and commitment to service.”

Nadda also highlighted the rapid expansion of medical infrastructure across the country. He said the number of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has risen to 23 under the current central government.

“Earlier, when meritorious students went abroad, they complained about a lack of facilities in India.

Today, I can say with pride that where there was once only one AIIMS, there are now 23 AIIMS under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Our students can no longer complain about inadequate infrastructure,” he said.

Sharing further data, the Union minister said that over the past 11 years, the number of medical colleges in India has increased from 387 to 819.

Undergraduate medical seats have risen from 51,000 to more than 1.10 lakh, while postgraduate seats have gone up from 31,000 to 80,000.

He added that 7,500 new postgraduate seats will be introduced in the current academic year.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Medical Education Brijesh Pathak echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that doctors are not merely professionals but also torchbearers of humanity and service.

He said that the medical profession carries a moral obligation that goes far beyond personal success or financial gain.

Pathak described KGMU as a symbol of excellence in medical education and healthcare.

He said the institution has played a vital role in shaping competent doctors who serve not only Uttar Pradesh but the entire nation.

He also pointed out that KGMU has been ranked among the top medical institutions in the country, with several of its faculty members recognised among the world’s leading scientists.

During the convocation, 81 students and one faculty member were honoured for outstanding achievements in academics, research, and clinical services across MBBS, BDS, MD/MS, DM/MCh, and Nursing programmes.

Gold medals and certificates of merit were also awarded, celebrating excellence, dedication, and service.

The message from the dais was clear: medical students are beneficiaries of significant public investment, and with that privilege comes a lifelong duty—to serve society with compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment, because the health and lives of citizens depend on them.

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