Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, praised the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) for its development of top-notch, affordable medical devices. Addressing the 42nd batch convocation virtually in Thiruvananthapuram, Singh congratulated the institute on its Golden Jubilee celebrations. He emphasized SCTIMST’s significant contributions to healthcare innovation, medical research, and advanced clinical care.
Singh highlighted the institute’s focus on creating effective indigenous medical devices, making it a leading institution in this field. He mentioned that several technologies developed at SCTIMST are transferred to industry annually, with seven technologies set for transfer this year. Singh also praised the approval for the appointment of nearly 800 permanent faculty members, which is expected to enhance the institute’s operational capacity.
The minister commended the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for establishing the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) block and services block at SCTIMST. These facilities are aimed at bolstering the institute’s capabilities in neurosurgery and cardiac sciences, positioning it as one of the country’s largest centers in these specialties. Singh also acknowledged the institute’s doctors for their efforts in treating over 17,000 patients under the Ayushman Bharat scheme since 2020.
Singh mentioned the foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Malini Vasundhara Centre, describing it as a significant advancement in precision-based treatment for neurological and oncological diseases. He also highlighted collaborative initiatives, such as the eight-institution MoU, aimed at fostering a research ecosystem and promoting interdisciplinary innovation in healthcare and science. The minister appreciated the collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation and SCTIMST in the field of space medicine, foreseeing new research opportunities and advancements in medical science.
