Amit Shah lauds doctors’ contribution to society at 100th IMA NATCON

Union home minister Amit Shah addressed the 100th All-India Medical Conference, IMA NATCON 2025, at Shela in Ahmedabad on Sunday, praising the medical fraternity for its service to society and calling for a renewed focus on ethics in medical practice. Shah lauded doctors for their dedication, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recalling his own experience, he said he had contracted COVID-19 three times and witnessed firsthand the commitment of medical professionals. “In every department, no doctor refused to help. They served people without worrying about their own health. There is no other example like this anywhere else in the world,” he said.

#WATCH | Ahmedabad | At the All India Medical Conference 100 IMA NATCON 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "We developed a health ecosystem with a holistic view. First, we launched the Swachh Bharat Mission and initiated a campaign to build toilets in every home. Everyone… pic.twitter.com/vNpFIGFMDl

— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2025

The landmark conference, organised by the Indian Medical Association’s Gujarat State Branch in association with the Ahmedabad Medical Association (AMA), is being held from December 26 to 28 and marks 100 editions of the IMA’s national medical gathering. It has brought together more than 5,000 doctors, healthcare leaders, policymakers and experts from India and abroad, including over 35 doctors from the United States.
Highlighting the stature of the medical profession, Shah remarked that when a person becomes seriously ill, they experience divinity through the doctor providing treatment. He stressed the need to revisit ethical standards in the field, noting that frameworks developed a century ago may no longer fully address today’s realities. He urged senior members of the IMA to form a dedicated team to redefine medical ethics in line with contemporary challenges, ensuring purity in life, thought and conduct.The Union Home Minister also spoke about the Centre’s efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure under the Modi government, citing the expansion of medical colleges, wider coverage under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and increasing global collaboration in healthcare education and research. He referred to a memorandum of understanding signed during the conference with the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin as a step towards global knowledge exchange.As the local Member of Parliament, Shah underscored Gujarat’s growing role in healthcare development, pointing to improvements in medical facilities, research and accessibility in Ahmedabad and across the state, aligned with the national vision of “health for all”.
As part of the ongoing conference, the new office-bearers of the Indian Medical Association and the IMA Gujarat State Branch also participated in an installation ceremony on Sunday morning in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.On the first day of the event, keynote addresses were delivered by eminent doctors including Dr Ramakant Panda, Dr B Bhaskara Rao, Dr Shashank Joshi, Dr Rakesh Shah and Dr Aseem Shukla. The speakers focused on advanced medical practices, stressing evidence-based approaches and the integration of cutting-edge technology in healthcare.Organisers from Gujarat said the central theme of IMA NATCON 2025 is the confluence of modern technology with age-old medical wisdom. “Artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionising all fields, and medicine is no exception. Doctors must continuously update themselves with evolving technology while preserving the ethos of the profession,” an organiser from IMA-GSB said.Several scientific sessions led by experts from India and abroad were held as part of the conference. Organisers said discussions also covered key themes such as medical ethics, patient care, digitisation, and the evolving relationship between patients and caregivers.
Earlier, on December 26, the conference included the formal taking charge by Dr Anil Patel as president of the IMA Gujarat State Branch along with his newly elected team, followed by a ceremony honouring 100 senior doctors from Gujarat for their lifelong contribution to the medical fraternity.Shah’s address was followed by the inauguration of ₹330 crore development projects, including the 27.3-km Western Trunk Sewer Line, later in the morning.

(State Correspondent)