President Droupadi Murmu attends 5th Convocation of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, says Doctors are the representatives of God

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Bhubaneswar: “Doctors are the representatives of God,” said President Droupadi Murmu while addressing the 5th Annual Convocation Ceremony of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar, today. She also urged the passing students to contribute to the society’s welfare and hoped that they will continue to excel in their field.

Hari Babu Kambhampati, Governor of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, Mukesh Mahaling, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs, Electronics & Information Technology, Govt. of Odisha and Aparajita Sarangi, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Bhubaneswar were also present at the occasion.

During the convocation, a total of 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. 59 Gold Medals were awarded 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).

Addressing the gathering, the President stated that “Over the last 12 years, the institution has grown significantly. Founded by the great visionary, former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the year 2003, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has been able to win the trust of public in the field of quality healthcare and social welfare activities, not only in Odisha but also in adjoining states like West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and others.”

Highlighting the achievements of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Murmu emphasized that “over the last one year, more than 10 lakh outdoor patients have received treatment in AIIMS Bhubaneswar while 17 lakh diagnostic tests and 25,000 surgeries have been conducted.”

She also underlined that with its specialty and super specialty services, the Institution has been delivering holistic healthcare across its various departments. “Whether teaching, research or healthcare, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has earned laurels in every sector. Even the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the excellence of AIIMS Bhubaneswar with the Asia Safe Surgical Implant Consortium (ASSIC) Quality Improvement Programme (QIP) Award for maintaining high standards in surgical instruments and implant reprocessing. The institute has also received the National Kayakalp Award for exceptional sanitation and other hospital services for five consecutive years,” added Murmu.

Appreciating the faculty and students of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Murmu stated that “the Institute has also demonstrated excellence in quality research and many doctors of the institute are indulged in the social service through medical care” She also added that doctors are the representatives of God and urged the passing students to contribute to the society’s welfare and hoped that they will continue to excel in their field.

In his address, Governor of Odisha, stated that “establishment of AIIMS institutions across the country was a visionary step towards building an equitable and accessible healthcare system where quality care reaches everyone irrespective of their location and economic status and AIIMS Bhubaneswar has played a pioneering role in actualizing this.” He also added that “AIIMS Bhubaneswar has risen to national prominence and is second in ranking after AIIMS New Delhi. It has become a beacon for medical education, research, and patient care in eastern India.”

He also added that “during the pandemic, AIIMS Bhubaneswar served as a centre for testing, treatment, vaccination and public awareness. This response shows medical excellence and social responsibility the institution has fulfilled.” He concluded his remarks by stating that “AIIMS Bhubaneswar is not just an institution, but a legacy of service, innovation and trust.”

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister of Odisha, stated that “under the visionary and dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has grown manifold. Prime Minister has emphasized on digital transformation and modernization of heathcare services. 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 and efficient for the public.”

He also added that “With the Prime Minister’s emphasis on eradication of diseases like Sickle Cell Anaemia, recognition of AIIMS Bhubaneswar as a centre of excellence, portrays the importance conferred to the Institution. In a short span of time, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has become a symbol of excellence, education and healthcare. Owing to the vision, dedication and commitment of its faculty and students, it has become one of the leading institutions for medical education and research. The institute is not just the pride of Odisha, but the whole country.”

Addressing the students, Majhi stated that “the world needs your knowledge, compassion and integrity more than ever to meet the challenges faced by healthcare” and urged them “to heal with empathy”. He also assured the commitment of the government to ensure quality healthcare with strengthening of infrastructure and highlighted that with Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has also been implemented in the state, in conversion with the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, and covers a population of 3.52 crore in the state with a special emphasis on providing healthcare to the senior citizens.  He also thanked the faculty and staff for nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders and families for their support.

Citing Prime Minister’s vision for health, Dharmendra Pradhan stated that “good health is the foundation of human progress and prosperity and there’s no short cut to that. Today, in the era of disruptive technology, changing geo-politics and new aspirations, health is one of the key sectors of our society.” He also added that “Prime Minister has given a clarion call to make India a developed country by 2047, and while contributing to that Odisha aspires to become a developed state by 2036.”

Highlighting the achievements of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, including its 15th position in the overall NIRF rankings, 12th among medical colleges, and 2nd among emerging AIIMS, Pradhan added that “Bhubaneswar is a fit candidate for becoming a new age MedTech centre for the world.” He also referred to the health challenges faced by people in vulnerable sections in Odisha and urged all the passing medical students to take responsibility to find solutions to these challenges and ensure the rights to health to the society.

Prof. (Dr.) Shailesh Kumar, President, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, along with faculty members and the students, were present at the occasion.

Also Read: President Droupadi Murmu Arrives In Bhubaneswar On Two-Day Visit

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