Raipur,/ President Droupadi Murmu today presided over the second convocation ceremony of AIIMS Raipur, conferring gold medals and degrees upon 10 students and degrees to a total of 514 graduates. In her address, she emphasized the immense responsibility carried by medical professionals, whose decisions often have life-saving implications. She expressed hope that the graduating doctors and paramedical students would fulfill their duties with utmost dedication and skill. Congratulating the graduates, she wished them a bright and successful future. The event was graced by the presence of Governor Shri Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, AIIMS Raipur President Prof. George A. D’Souza, Executive Director and CEO Lt. Gen. Ashok Kumar Jindal, along with faculty members and students of AIIMS Raipur.
In her speech, President Ms Murmu recalled that when the graduates chose medicine as their profession, they did so with a sense of compassion and empathy. She reminded them that qualities like kindness, empathy, and compassion are essential in strengthening human values, and urged them to always embody these principles in their professional lives.
President Ms Murmu highlighted the efforts of the Government of India in providing healthcare access to all citizens. Over the past decade, numerous initiatives have been undertaken to introduce universal health coverage, including the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which has benefited a large number of citizens. She noted that affordable and quality medicines are being made available through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana. There has also been a significant increase in the number of medical colleges and seats for MBBS and postgraduate courses, alongside the establishment of new AIIMS across the country.
She praised AIIMS Raipur for offering exceptional medical services, combating malnutrition, and operating a sickle cell clinic. She advocated for the use of advanced technology for public welfare, pointing out that AIIMS Raipur is actively working on artificial intelligence, mobile clinical disease management, and support systems to aid doctors in remote areas during emergencies, thus improving community health. The President affirmed India’s goal to become a developed nation by 2047, stating that the graduates’ work would play a crucial role in achieving this vision.
Governor Shri Ramen Deka extended his best wishes to the graduating students, encouraging them to serve as beacons of hope for the people. He lauded the achievements of AIIMS Raipur, which has established itself as a center of excellence in healthcare and medical education, not just in Chhattisgarh but across the nation. The institution’s 38th rank in the national rankings of 2024 was cited as a testament to its achievements. He also commended the high-quality healthcare services provided during the COVID-19 pandemic and acknowledged the successful implementation of schemes like Ayushman Bharat, which have enhanced the institute’s prestige.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed President Ms Murmu on behalf of the people of Chhattisgarh, expressing pride in the fact that talents from the state’s medical and engineering institutions were graduating in her presence. He noted that Chhattisgarh is home to nearly all renowned institutions in the country, guiding the state’s future. Many of these institutions have been established due to the efforts and initiatives of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. AIIMS Raipur has garnered recognition nationwide for its quality of service and expertise, benefiting not only the people of Chhattisgarh but also those from Maharashtra and Odisha.
The Chief Minister said that improving healthcare services in Chhattisgarh is a priority, with large-scale recruitment of doctors and medical staff underway, along with upgrades to hospital facilities and equipment. Expansion and development of infrastructure have commenced at Raipur Medical College Hospital and SIMS Bilaspur. An allocation of Rs 1,020.60 crore has been made for the construction of new medical colleges, with the process already initiated. The state government has also decided to introduce MBBS courses in Hindi, thereby increasing medical education opportunities, particularly for children from rural and tribal areas. He affirmed the readiness of government hospitals to contribute to making Chhattisgarh the medical hub of Central India, pledging to extend healthcare services to the most remote areas. The program commenced with a welcome address by Prof. George A. D’Souza, President of AIIMS Raipur, followed by a progress report presented by Executive Director and CEO Lt. Gen. Ashok Kumar Jindal.
