New Delhi : The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, graced and addressed the first convocation ceremony of All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rajkot in Rajkot on April 13, 2026, highlighting the crucial role of premier medical institutions in shaping the future of healthcare in the country.
In her address, the President noted that the establishment of multiple AIIMS institutions across India reflects the government’s commitment to delivering world-class tertiary healthcare at affordable costs. She stated that these institutions are playing a transformative role not only in providing quality medical education but also in promoting research, innovation, public health initiatives, and contributing to the formulation of national health policies. She commended AIIMS institutions for their dedication to advancing healthcare through cutting-edge research and patient-centric services.
Focusing on AIIMS Rajkot, the President described it as a young institution with immense potential and a long journey ahead in the fields of medical education, research, and healthcare delivery. She urged policymakers and administrators to align their objectives with both the core vision of AIIMS and the specific healthcare challenges prevalent in the region. Emphasizing the importance of institutional integrity, she underlined that good governance and transparency established at the foundational stage would significantly influence the long-term growth and credibility of the institute.
Highlighting the ethical dimensions of the medical profession, President Murmu stated that medicine is not merely a career but a lifelong commitment to the service of humanity. She stressed that the profession demands not only scientific expertise but also compassion, patience, and humility. The symbolic white coat worn by doctors, she said, represents the deep trust that society places in them during times of vulnerability, and it is their responsibility to uphold this trust with utmost sincerity.
Addressing the rapidly evolving medical landscape, the President spoke about the transformative impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, precision medicine, and digital health services. She encouraged graduating students to stay prepared for these advancements and continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills. However, she also cautioned that while technology can enhance treatment outcomes, it can never replace the value of human empathy. Simple gestures like kind words, a reassuring presence, and attentive listening, she said, often contribute significantly to the healing process.
The President further remarked that while becoming a doctor is a remarkable achievement, embodying human values such as integrity, compassion, and a spirit of service makes one truly exceptional. She urged young medical professionals to recognize their potential in bringing meaningful change to society and to actively contribute to nation-building through their work.
Concluding her address, President Murmu highlighted that the health of citizens is fundamental to achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047. She acknowledged the various initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to improve access to quality healthcare and noted that these efforts are already producing encouraging results. She emphasized that greater progress can be achieved through collective action by all stakeholders. In this regard, she said, institutions of national importance like AIIMS have a critical responsibility to lead the healthcare sector by setting new standards in research, innovation, and service delivery.
Expressing confidence in the future of AIIMS Rajkot, she stated that the institute is well-positioned to make significant contributions towards ensuring equitable and accessible healthcare for all and to play a vital role in realizing the national vision of a healthier and stronger India.