World Needs Compassion And Integrity Of Doctors More Than Ever Before, Says President Droupadi Murmu  

BHUBANESWAR: Highlighting the challenges in the healthcare such as emerging diseases and public health crises, President of India Droupadi Murmu has called for an equitable care for one and all.

Participating in the 5^th convocation of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, Murmu said the world needs knowledge, compassion and integrity of doctors more than ever before.

“You carry not just academic knowledge, but the hopes and well-being of millions. Your expertise will save lives, your research will advance medicine, and your compassion will heal hearts. The responsibility is great, but so is your opportunity to make a difference,” she told the graduates.

Praising the AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Murmu said the institute has been recognized as a Centre of Excellence for its role eradication of diseases like sickle cell anaemia.

“Our government has implemented Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in convergence with Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana which provides comprehensive, cashless and portable health coverage system. This scheme covers more than 3.52 crore population of Odisha, with special provision for women and senior citizens,” she pointed out.

She said AIIMS Bhubaneswar stands as a symbol of excellence in medical education, research, and healthcare in India. “Looking ahead, we envision Odisha as a hub of medical excellence and innovation, with AIIMS Bhubaneswar playing a pivotal role,” she said.

The World Health Organization(WHO) has recognised the excellence of AIIMS Bhubaneswar with the Asia Safe Surgical Implant Consortium QWIP Award for maintaining high standards in surgical instrument and implant reprocessing. The institute has received the National Kayakalp Award for exceptional sanitation and other hospital services for five consecutive years, she noted.

Highlighting that depression and life style diseases have emerged as the new challenge, Murmu called more awareness among the population. She described disciplined routine, good eating habits and regular exercise as the keys to keep such concerns at bay. “A lifestyle change can provide mental peace. Yoga and pranayama can be helpful in maintaining mental health, she said.

The President said that obesity, a lifestyle disease, is also a matter of concern. One can get rid of this disease through a disciplined routine, she told the doctors to create awareness in society on this matter.

In total, 643 students were conferred degrees including 196 MBBS degrees, 158 MS, 49 MDs, 116 Post- doctoral fellows, 62 B.Sc. Nursing and 41 M.Sc. Nursing.

The President awarded 59 gold medals to meritorious students of AIIMS Bhubaneswar from different disciplines like DM/MCh (1 scholar), MD/MS (1), MBBS (17), BSc Nursing (3), BSc Paramedical (7), MSc Nursing (2). While Chitluri Neha and Medha Menon have been awarded as the best outgoing MBBS graduates, Mrinmoyee Mondal and Priyanka Singh have been adjudged as the best BSc (Hons) Nursing graduates.

In his address, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati described AIIMS as a visionary step towards building an equitable and accessible healthcare system.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said initiatives like e-payment facilities at AIIMS Bhubaneswar are aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of a digital India and have made healthcare more accessible.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted the achievements of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, including its 15th position in the overall NIRF rankings, 12th among medical colleges, and 2nd among emerging AIIMS. “Bhubaneswar is a fit candidate for becoming a new age MedTech centre for the world,” he said.

MP Aparajita Sarangi and State Minister of Health & Family Welfare Mukesh Mahaling also graced the occasion.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the successes of the national institution. AIIMS Bhubaneswar President Dr. Shailesh Kumar was also present.