Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday attended the fifth convocation ceremony of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, celebrating over a decade of remarkable growth and achievements.
Addressing the gathering, the President expressed her satisfaction at the institute’s progress in patient care, medical research, and social welfare over the past 12 years. She noted that AIIMS Bhubaneswar has earned numerous accolades and gained the trust of people not only in Odisha but also in neighbouring states like West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
Highlighting the institute’s excellence, she mentioned that the World Health Organization recently honoured AIIMS Bhubaneswar with the Asia Safe Surgical Implant Consortium QIP Award for maintaining high standards in surgical instrument and implant reprocessing. The institute has also been awarded the National Kayakalp Award for five consecutive years for outstanding sanitation and hospital services.
The President praised the network of AIIMS institutions across the country for providing affordable, quality healthcare through advanced medical science and skilled doctors. She expressed confidence that India’s growing healthcare sector, buoyed by AIIMS’s success, will position the country as a global healthcare destination.
Emphasising the role of medical research, the President remarked that many epidemics have been curtailed, with diseases like smallpox, leprosy, polio, and tuberculosis now much less prevalent. She commended the efforts of doctors, researchers, health workers, and governments in this achievement.
She also drew attention to mental health, noting the rising challenge of depression. Apart from medication, she stressed the importance of awareness and lifestyle changes, recommending yoga and pranayama as helpful practices. She urged medical professionals to promote a healthy lifestyle for mental well-being.
Addressing lifestyle diseases, the President highlighted obesity as a growing concern. She advised disciplined routines, improved diet, and regular exercise as key measures and called on doctors to increase public awareness.
Lastly, the President urged medical researchers to focus on local health challenges, specifically mentioning Japanese Encephalitis and Sickle Cell Anemia prevalent in tribal communities. She applauded government initiatives in this regard and encouraged further research for effective treatments.
In his address, Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati stated, “The establishment of AIIMS institutions across the country was a visionary step towards building an equitable and accessible healthcare system where quality care reaches everyone, irrespective of their location and economic status. AIIMS Bhubaneswar has played a pioneering role in realizing this vision.”
He further added, “AIIMS Bhubaneswar has risen to national prominence, ranking second only to AIIMS New Delhi. It has become a beacon for medical education, research, and patient care in eastern India.”
Dr. Kambhampati also noted, “During the pandemic, AIIMS Bhubaneswar served as a center for testing, treatment, vaccination, and public awareness. This response reflects the institution’s medical excellence and its sense of social responsibility.” He concluded by stating, “AIIMS Bhubaneswar is not just an institution, but a legacy of service, innovation, and trust.”
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said, “Under the visionary and dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has grown manifold. The Prime Minister has emphasized digital transformation and modernization of healthcare services. Initiatives such as e-payment facilities at AIIMS Bhubaneswar align with his vision of a Digital India and have made healthcare more accessible and efficient for the public.”
He further stated, “With the Prime Minister’s focus on eradicating diseases like Sickle Cell Anaemia, the recognition of AIIMS Bhubaneswar as a Centre of Excellence highlights the importance accorded to this institution. In a short span of time, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has emerged as a symbol of excellence in education and healthcare. Thanks to the vision, dedication, and commitment of its faculty and students, it is now one of the leading institutions for medical education and research—not just the pride of Odisha, but of the entire nation.”
Addressing the students, the Chief Minister said, “The world needs your knowledge, compassion, and integrity now more than ever to meet the challenges faced by the healthcare sector,” urging them “to heal with empathy.”
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring quality healthcare. He highlighted that the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has been implemented in the state alongside the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, covering a population of 3.52 crore with special emphasis on providing healthcare to senior citizens.
He expressed gratitude to the faculty and staff for nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders and extended appreciation to the families for their unwavering support.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s vision for health, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, “Good health is the foundation of human progress and prosperity, and there is no shortcut to achieving it. In today’s era of disruptive technology, shifting geopolitics, and evolving aspirations, health has become one of the key sectors in society.”
He added, “The Prime Minister has given a clarion call to make India a developed country by 2047. Odisha, in turn, aspires to become a developed state by 2036 as part of that vision.”
Highlighting the achievements of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, including its 15th position in the overall NIRF rankings, 12th among medical colleges, and 2nd among emerging AIIMS, Pradhan remarked, “Bhubaneswar is a strong contender to become a new-age MedTech hub for the world.”
He also acknowledged the healthcare challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Odisha and urged the graduating medical students to take up the responsibility of addressing these challenges and upholding the right to health in society.
During the convocation ceremony, a total of 643 students were awarded degrees, including: 196 MBBS degrees, 158 MS degrees, 49 MD degrees, 116 Post-doctoral fellowships, 62 B.Sc. Nursing degrees and 41 M.Sc. Nursing degrees.
In total, 59 Gold Medals were awarded to meritorious students from various disciplines: DM/MCh: 1 scholar, MD/MS: 1 scholar, MBBS: 17 scholars, B.Sc. Nursing: 3 scholars, B.Sc. Paramedical: 7 scholars and M.Sc. Nursing: 2 scholars.
Prof. (Dr.) Shailesh Kumar, President, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, along with faculty members and students, were present at the event.
