The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru are set to launch medical schools on their campuses. Union Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, shared this exciting news in an official statement.
This initiative aims to blend engineering, medical science, and research. By doing so, these institutions hope to drive innovation and improve healthcare.
During his keynote address at the Doctors’ Day Conclave hosted by ET Times Now, Singh praised India’s affordable healthcare initiatives, like Ayushman Bharat, and spotlighted the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute in Thiruvananthapuram for its integration of research and clinical care.
Singh highlighted a pivotal moment in India’s health-tech landscape. As the economy advances—from the tenth to the fourth largest in the world—there’s a call for a more inclusive healthcare system. He envisions a healthcare ecosystem aligned with the goals of "Viksit Bharat @2047."
He also discussed future possibilities in medicine. Singh mentioned that Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission to the International Space Station included indigenous life science kits. This could pave the way for a new field: Space Medicine. “Soon, we might have a focus on Space Physicians,” he noted.
India has made significant strides globally in preventive and precision healthcare. The country was the first to develop a DNA vaccine for COVID-19 and introduced an HPV vaccine aimed at reducing cervical cancer rates. Additionally, it conducted its first gene therapy trial for hemophilia, which was published in the esteemed New England Journal of Medicine. The launch of Nafithromycin, India’s first homegrown antibiotic, further signifies its innovation in pharmaceuticals.
Singh emphasized the need to rethink India’s healthcare approach. He called for collaboration between academia, research institutions, industry, and the government. Engaging the private sector early in research and healthcare delivery is vital for future growth and sustainability.
As India carves out its future in medicine, the establishment of medical schools at IIT Kanpur and IISc Bengaluru signals a commitment to nurturing interdisciplinary excellence. This initiative represents a transformative step towards a more holistic approach to education and healthcare.
For those interested in more information about India’s healthcare advancements, you can find a detailed report from the Indian Ministry of Science and Technology here.
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IIT Kanpur,IISc Bengaluru