National Medical Commission chief honoured for contributions to medical education; urges doctors and institutions to embrace responsible Artificial Intelligence
The Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and President of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), Dr Abhijat Sheth, was felicitated by the Delhi Chief Minister on the occasion of National Doctors’ Day in recognition of his outstanding contribution to medical education and healthcare leadership.
A distinguished cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr Sheth has made significant contributions to clinical practice, medical research, academic development and healthcare administration in both India and the United Kingdom.
Distinguished Career in Cardiothoracic Surgery and Research
Before assuming key leadership positions in India’s medical regulatory system, Dr Sheth built an accomplished career in adult cardiothoracic surgery, clinical research and medical education.
He has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed scientific publications in leading international journals, including the Annals of Thoracic Surgery, and has delivered around 40 conference presentations and research abstracts at prestigious global scientific forums such as the British Thoracic Society, World Congress of Bronchology, European Respiratory Society and the American Thoracic Society.
Leading NMC and NBEMS
After serving as the President of the National Board of Examinations (NBE), Dr Sheth was appointed as the Chairperson of the National Medical Commission last year.
Earlier this year, he was also re-nominated as the President of the Governing Body of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) for a third consecutive term, reflecting continued confidence in his leadership.
NBEMS Achieves Guinness World Record
Under Dr Sheth’s leadership, NBEMS, an autonomous organisation under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, achieved international recognition by entering the Guinness World Records.
The record was awarded for the “Most viewers of an Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare lesson live stream on YouTube,” with the nationwide online training programme attracting a peak concurrent viewership of 17,999 registered medical practitioners.
The initiative was designed to introduce doctors across India to the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare and strengthen digital competencies within the medical profession.
Calls for Responsible AI Adoption in Healthcare
Marking National Doctors’ Day, Dr Sheth urged doctors, medical teachers and healthcare institutions across the country to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool while ensuring that its implementation remains ethical, evidence-based and centred on patient welfare.
He emphasised that AI has enormous potential to improve patient care, transform medical education and accelerate clinical research. However, he stressed that technology should support—not replace—the clinical judgment, compassion and accountability of healthcare professionals.
Preparing Healthcare for the Future
Dr Sheth encouraged medical institutions to prepare for the future by building AI-ready healthcare systems through continuous professional learning, innovation, responsible governance and scientific integrity.
Highlighting the importance of balancing technological advancement with medical ethics, he called upon the healthcare community to adopt AI in a manner that enhances clinical excellence while maintaining trust between doctors and patients.
Speaking on the future of healthcare, Dr Sheth said that responsible integration of Artificial Intelligence will play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes, strengthening medical education, advancing research and delivering more efficient and accessible healthcare services across the country.
