Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah on Sunday addressed the national conference of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) – IMA NATCON 2025 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel and several dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Shah said that the Modi government is firmly committed to building a robust health ecosystem for a developed India, and doctors will play a decisive role in achieving this goal. He said the IMA reaching its 100th year is testimony to its sacrifice, service, and continuous contribution to the nation’s healthcare system.
Re-defining Medical Ethics
The Home Minister noted that healthcare is fundamentally a service-oriented field, where patients often see doctors as a form of divinity in times of crisis. He said that medical ethics framed a century ago have become less relevant in today’s context and called upon the IMA to redefine medical ethics in line with present-day needs and make them an integral part of medical education.
Shri Shah urged the IMA to form a dedicated team to work on modernising ethical standards and submit recommendations to the Government of India, stating that ethics cannot be imposed by law but must be nurtured through values and education.
Vision of Developed India by 2047
Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Developed India by 2047, Shri Shah said achieving this goal requires a healthy demographic—physically, mentally, and energetically—and doctors are central to this transformation.
He said that since 2014, the government has adopted a comprehensive approach to healthcare development through initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Mission, Fit India Movement, Khelo India, International Yoga Day, Ayushman Bharat, and Mission Indradhanush, which have significantly improved India’s health landscape.
Major Healthcare Reforms
Shri Shah outlined key achievements in the health sector, including:
Free treatment up to ₹5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat, extended up to ₹15 lakh in several states
Strengthening of CHC and PHC infrastructure with investments of over ₹1.65 lakh crore
Expansion of medical seats from 51,000 to 1.3 lakh
Growth of AIIMS institutions and upcoming telemedicine services connecting AIIMS with PHCs and CHCs
Removal of GST from health insurance and expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras
He said India’s health budget has increased from ₹37,000 crore in 2013–14 to ₹1.28 lakh crore, reflecting a 102 percent rise.
