At the sixth convocation of AIIMS Rishikesh, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan emphasized that India’s healthcare system must extend far beyond hospital boundaries and reach people at the grassroots level through technology, outreach, and innovation.
Addressing the graduating students, he described the convocation as a moment of “transition, reflection and responsibility,” reminding them that medicine is not just a profession but a form of public service and nation-building.
He highlighted AIIMS Rishikesh as an institution where treatment, education, research, innovation, and social responsibility come together. He especially appreciated its telemedicine efforts, noting the growing importance of digital healthcare delivery. “He said that healthcare must go beyond hospitals and extend to communities through outreach, innovation and technology.”
The Vice President also pointed to healthcare innovations in Uttarakhand, including Helicopter Emergency Medical Services and drone-based delivery of medicines during the Char Dham Yatra and in remote areas. According to him, such initiatives help overcome long-standing barriers in accessing urgent medical care in difficult terrain.
He said these examples demonstrate how governance and technology can work together to ensure timely healthcare access for people in remote regions.
Speaking about national progress in healthcare infrastructure, he noted the expansion of AIIMS institutions across India over the last decade, which has improved access to quality treatment and medical education in underserved areas. He added that effective governance is rooted in understanding and addressing public needs.
Referring to India’s role during the pandemic, he said vaccines were developed not for profit but for global welfare. The experience, he added, reinforced the importance of preparedness, innovation, and a strong public health system capable of functioning beyond traditional hospital settings.
Calling Rishikesh a global centre of spirituality and healing at the gateway to the Himalayas, he said the location added deeper meaning to the ceremony and the responsibilities that come with a medical degree.
He encouraged the graduates to serve with dedication, reminding them that their role goes beyond treating diseases to include preventive healthcare, rural outreach, research, and innovation.
Describing healthcare as a public trust, he urged future doctors to uphold empathy, integrity, and service. He said medical professionals play a key role in nation-building by ensuring that modern healthcare reaches every section of society, especially those limited by geography or resources.
The address reinforces a growing shift in India’s healthcare vision—moving from hospital-centric care to a more inclusive, technology-driven system focused on accessibility, prevention, and equity.
(Photo courtesy: X / VPIndia)