Rishikesh: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the 6th convocation ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, as the chief guest on Thursday. Gurmeet Singh and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami were also present on the occasion.
In his address, the Vice President said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, India established a strong identity as a global partner. He noted that under the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” India demonstrated its commitment to humanity by supplying COVID vaccines to more than 100 countries.
He said that although the pandemic tested India’s healthcare system, the country turned challenges into opportunities and demonstrated global leadership.
Appreciation for AIIMS Rishikesh’s role
The Vice President praised AIIMS Rishikesh as an excellent example of modern healthcare, research, education, and technological innovation. He said the institute has gone beyond being a traditional hospital and presented a comprehensive healthcare model.
He appreciated telemedicine initiatives, stating that healthcare services should not remain limited to hospital campuses but must reach remote and underserved areas.
Healthcare strengthened through new AIIMS institutions
The Vice President said that the establishment of new AIIMS institutions across the country over the past decade has strengthened quality healthcare services and medical education. He urged medical professionals to contribute in preventive care, rural outreach, research, and innovation.
Praise for Uttarakhand model
He appreciated the state government’s initiative of delivering emergency medicines through drones during the Char Dham Yatra. He said such technological initiatives are giving a new direction to healthcare services in mountainous states like Uttarakhand.
He emphasized that healthcare must overcome barriers like mountains, distance, and weather to reach every individual, which is true nation-building.
