In a momentous address at the 10th Convocation Ceremony of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences (ABVIMS), President of India, Droupadi Murmu, celebrated the pivotal role of doctors in society, emphasizing their responsibility as the "healing touch" for the nation. The event, held in the presence of Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, saw the participation of eminent dignitaries, faculty, and graduating students.

In her keynote address, President Murmu recalled the contributions of two notable figures closely associated with the institution — Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. “For both of them, the nation always came first. They gave new dimensions to our society and country. I hope and believe that the people associated with this institution will continue to follow their path,” she remarked.

Doctors as ‘Healers’ and the Rising Need for Patient Sensitivity

Highlighting the profound impact that medical professionals have on society, President Murmu noted that doctors, often revered as ‘gods’ in India, hold the unique power to influence life and death outcomes. “You have taken on a big responsibility. There should always be a healing touch along with the medicines you prescribe,” she stated, urging young doctors to uphold the sanctity of their profession.

Addressing the increasing instances of violence against doctors, she appealed for patience and calm from patients and their families during challenging times. “No doctor wants their patients to suffer. We saw during the COVID pandemic how tirelessly doctors and nurses worked to save lives. As a country, we will always be grateful to them,” the President emphasized.

Prioritising Women’s Health and Healthcare Infrastructure

In her speech, the President drew attention to the need for prioritizing women's health, acknowledging the critical role played by the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in providing accessible healthcare to women. She also highlighted the substantial progress made in the healthcare sector over the past decade. “The number of medical institutions has increased, the number of postgraduate seats has doubled, and several new AIIMS have been established with undergraduate courses being introduced,” she noted.

President Murmu later conferred degrees to the graduating students, including 36 Super Specialty students of ABVIMS, marking a milestone in their professional journeys.

A Call for Excellence and Empathy

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, while congratulating the students, reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical education. He emphasized the significant investment made by the government, noting, “The government spends about 30-35 lakh rupees per medical student annually for providing professional education.”

Nadda urged the graduates to leverage their education and expertise in enhancing the country’s healthcare system. He further commented on the stark differences in the medical landscape of India compared to the West, where Indian doctors handle an overwhelming volume of patients and engage in groundbreaking research and innovations.

“You are now the guardians and saviors of not only human life but also a noble profession,” he encouraged, underscoring the importance of empathy, ethics, and dedication in their future endeavors.

A Platform for Knowledge Sharing and Innovation

Dr. V.K. Paul echoed the President’s sentiments on the responsibilities of medical professionals. He underscored the significance of striving for excellence, upholding values, and fostering empathy. Dr. Paul also urged the young graduates to consider careers in academia to contribute to the next generation of medical professionals.

The ceremony also witnessed the release of the first edition of the ABVIMS journal, “Sanhita,” by Shri J.P. Nadda, who presented the inaugural copy to President Murmu.

The event concluded with words of encouragement and a shared vision of better healthcare for the nation, as senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, faculty members, and students of ABVIMS gathered to honor the legacy of medical excellence and social commitment.