India's Healthcare Sector Enters Transformative Era with AI and Advanced Therapies
Hyderabad: India stands on the brink of a revolutionary period in medical history, propelled by artificial intelligence-driven discovery, predictive genomics, sophisticated biologics, and cutting-edge cell and gene therapies, according to Mettu Madan Mohan Reddy, whole-time director of Aurobindo Pharma. He emphasized that science and technology are fundamentally reshaping global healthcare landscapes.
From Global Pharmacy to Innovation Leader
Reddy highlighted India's evolving role, stating, "While India has long been acknowledged as the pharmacy of the world for providing affordable medicines internationally, including during the Covid-19 pandemic, the nation is now strategically positioned to transcend manufacturing and assume a more substantial role in innovation." He delivered these remarks during the convocation address at the XIV Convocation of Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad (JNTUH) on Saturday.
He further noted that India's responsibility extends beyond mere participation in global innovation; it must actively influence its trajectory by developing therapies that are not only advanced but also affordable and scalable. Stressing that progress must be equitable and accessible, Reddy reminded students that innovation inherently carries a human responsibility. In recognition of his significant contributions to science, technology, and the pharmaceutical industry, Reddy was honored with an Honorary Doctorate by the university.
Academic Excellence and Curriculum Modernization
The convocation celebrated academic achievements, with a total of 82,547 students receiving degrees. This included 72,210 undergraduate degrees, 9,373 postgraduate degrees, 729 Doctor of Pharmacy degrees, and 87 doctoral degrees across 15 disciplines. Women students demonstrated exceptional performance, continuing a trend of strong academic excellence. Out of 26,501 students graduating with distinction, women constituted an impressive 68%. They also dominated the honors list, securing 59 of the 71 gold medals awarded across various disciplines.
Vice-chancellor T Kishen Kumar Reddy announced that JNTUH has implemented the R25 curriculum, aligning academic programs with emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and blockchain. This initiative is in accordance with the state's Vision 2047 for higher education, aiming to prepare students for future technological advancements.
University Advances in Research and Collaboration
The university has made significant strides in fostering innovation and research. "As many as 23 deep-tech start-ups were incubated in areas such as AI, blockchain, healthcare, and urban mobility, while eight new research centres were established and 214 PhD scholars were admitted after a long gap," stated Vice-chancellor Reddy. He added that JNTUH has strengthened its national and international collaborations, including signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions in Germany, Sweden, and Japan, enhancing global academic and research partnerships.
