President of India highlights the role of doctors in national development and calls on AIIMS Kalyani graduates to uphold medical responsibility, research, and public health awareness
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The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, addressed the first convocation ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Kalyani yesterday. The event marked the graduation of the institute’s first batch of medical students.
In her address, the President emphasised the role of doctors in the development of the nation. The average life expectancy, which was only 32 years at the time of independence, has now more than doubled to about 70 years. There has been extraordinary progress in the field of vaccination in the last few years. Many diseases have been eradicated. For example, India was declared trachoma-free last year.
The President, however, pointed out ongoing health challenges such as diabetes, heart conditions, and obesity. She stated that doctors would play a “decisive role” in addressing these issues, and that their role was bigger than the government and other stakeholders” in promoting better health outcomes.
Addressing the graduating students, the President said that as the first batch of AIIMS, Kalyani, they are the senior-most alumni of this institute. They will have an important role in making the identity of this institution. In this way, they are also the makers of the future of AIIMS Kalyani. Highlighting the new changes taking place in the field of medical science every day, the President advised students to be lifelong learners and stay updated on new research and medical methods.
The President noted that the foundation stone of the planned city of Kalyani was laid by Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy. She said that even during his long tenure as Chief Minister, Dr B.C. Roy continued to serve patients free of cost. She told students, teachers and administrators of AIIMS Kalyani to take a resolution to make AIIMS Kalyani an Institute of National Pride. She also advised them to follow the example of Dr B.C. Roy of providing free medical services to the poor and the deprived.
The President told doctors to adopt such a lifestyle that could be an example for common people. She said that genetic manifestations are different matter, but most health problems can be prevented or solved to a great extent with the help of a proper diet and lifestyle. Apart from medicines, they should also give lifestyle-related advice to the people who come to them for treatment. When a doctor gives any advice, it has a greater impact on people. When the doctor himself presents an ideal, it has an even greater impact.