India's progress in reducing Tuberculosis Incidence has Outpaced Global Average: Nadda
Published: Mar 16, 2026
By TIOLCorplaws News Service
NEW DELHI, MAR 16, 2026: UNION Minister for Health and Family Welfare J. P. Nadda, addressed the convocation ceremony of Teerthanker Mahaveer University in Moradabad on Friday. Congratulating the graduating students, Nadda described the convocation as a defining milestone in the lives of students-one that reflects years of dedication, perseverance, discipline and academic commitment.
Addressing the gathering, the Union Health Minister noted that a convocation marks not only the completion of an academic journey but also the beginning of a new chapter of responsibility and service. He encouraged the graduating students to move forward with strong values and a commitment to contribute meaningfully to the nation and society.
"You are privileged to be entering the professional world during the second phase of India's Amrit Kaal, as the country moves towards the vision of a developed India by 2047. This period presents both an opportunity and a responsibility simultaneously for young professionals to shape the future of the nation," Nadda said.
Commending the efforts of Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda highlighted the institution's notable contribution to advancing education in the medical and allied health sectors. He observed that of the nearly 150 academic programmes offered by the university, close to 60 percent are dedicated to medical and allied health disciplines, reflecting the university's strong emphasis on building a competent and skilled healthcare workforce for the country.
Nadda also acknowledged the university's commitment to ensuring wider access to education. He noted that the institution has extended scholarships amounting to around Rs.75 crore to support students from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals. Such initiatives, he remarked, demonstrate the university's dedication to promoting inclusive education, academic excellence and the development of skilled professionals who can contribute meaningfully to India's growing healthcare sector.
Highlighting the transformative changes in India's healthcare sector over the past decade, Nadda said that the Government has made sustained efforts to expand healthcare infrastructure, strengthen medical education and improve access to affordable and quality healthcare across the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"In the last eleven years, India has witnessed a significant expansion of premier medical institutions. The number of All India Institute of Medical Sciences has increased from 6 earlier to 23 today, strengthening tertiary healthcare services and creating new opportunities for high-quality medical education and research across the country," he stated.
He noted that India has recorded substantial progress in improving maternal and child health outcomes. Citing global estimates, he stated that India's Maternal Mortality Ratio has declined by about 86 percent, compared to a global reduction of around 48 percent, reflecting the impact of sustained public health interventions.
Speaking about India's efforts to eliminate Tuberculosis, he highlighted that India has achieved a 21 percent decline in TB incidence, which is significantly higher than the global decline of 12 percent, as reported by the World Health Organization.
Nadda further emphasised that the Government has been working consistently to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on citizens. He noted that out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) on healthcare has significantly declined from 62.6 percent to 39.4 percent, reflecting the Government's commitment to making healthcare more affordable and accessible to the people.
Highlighting India's progress in strengthening access to timely treatment, Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda cited findings from The Lancet, noting that around 90 percent of cancer patients in India begin their treatment within 20 days, reflecting improvements in early diagnosis and treatment pathways across the healthcare system. He also highlighted the transformative impact of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, describing it as the world's largest health coverage scheme, which provides health coverage of up to Rs.5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Nadda stated that the scheme has significantly expanded financial protection in healthcare and has benefited over 71 crore people, enabling millions of families to access quality treatment without financial hardship.
Addressing the graduating students, the Union Health Minister reminded them that their academic achievements are the result of the collective efforts of parents, teachers, mentors, university staff and institutional support systems. "Behind every degree lies the silent contribution and encouragement of families, faculty members and institutions that guide students towards success," he remarked.
He urged the students to carry a strong sense of social responsibility in their professional journeys. "Always remember that society has provided you with the opportunity and the resources to become what you are today. Carry with you the conviction that you must give back to society and work towards the greater good," he added.
The convocation ceremony brought together 6,041 students from undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and diploma programmes across the university's 14 constituent colleges. Of these, 2,577 degrees pertain to the 2023-24 academic session, while 3,464 degrees correspond to the 2024-25 academic session.
The 2024-25 academic session has recorded a notable academic achievement, with girl students securing a majority in the merit list across all medal categories. Out of 156 medal recipients, 112 are girls and 44 are boys. The medals include 54 Gold Medals (40 girls, 14 boys), 52 Silver Medals (35 girls, 17 boys) and 50 Bronze Medals (37 girls, 13 boys).
Similarly, the 2023-24 academic session recorded 155 medal recipients, comprising 103 girls and 52 boys, reflecting strong and consistent academic performance by female students across disciplines.
For the 2024-25 academic session, the university conferred 3,464 degrees, including 36 PhD degrees (19 women and 17 men), 832 postgraduate degrees, 2,490 undergraduate degrees, and 106 diploma certificates. For the 2023-24 academic session, 2,577 degrees were awarded, including 1,056 female students and 1,521 male students.
Brajesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh; Suresh Kumar Khanna, Minister of Finance and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Uttar Pradesh along with the leadership and Professors from the University were present at the Event.
