Healthcare must go beyond hospitals: Vice President

New Delhi, Apr 23: Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, Thursday said that the healthcare must go beyond hospital campuses to reach remote and underserved populations.
Addressing the 6th Convocation Ceremony of All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh, Uttarakhand , the Vice President described it as a defining moment of transition, reflection, and responsibility for graduating students.
Highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of Rishikesh as a global centre of reflection and healing, and a gateway to the Himalayas, the Vice President noted that such a setting adds deeper meaning to the solemnity of the convocation ceremony.
C.P. Radhakrishnan said that a convocation marks not only the culmination of years of disciplined effort and sacrifice but also the beginning of a greater responsibility towards society and the nation. He urged the graduates to embrace their professional duties with dedication and a sense of purpose.
Reflecting on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vice President stated that India demonstrated resilience, innovation, and commitment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted India’s large-scale vaccination drive, noting that over 140 crore citizens received free vaccines, ensuring equitable access to healthcare. He further emphasized that Indian scientists developed vaccines not for profit, but for the welfare of humanity.
The Vice President also underlined India’s global responsibility through its Vaccine Maitri initiative, under which vaccines were supplied to over 100 countries. He said this initiative reflected the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and reinforced India’s role as a compassionate and responsible global partner.
Highlighting the expansion of healthcare infrastructure, C.P.Radhakrishnan noted that the establishment of new AIIMS institutions across the country over the last decade has strengthened access to quality healthcare and medical education, especially in underserved regions. He remarked that good governance lies in understanding and serving the needs of the people.
Praising AIIMS Rishikesh, he said the institute stands as a model of excellence by combining clinical care, academic strength, research, innovation, and social commitment. He particularly appreciated its telemedicine initiatives, noting that healthcare must go beyond hospital campuses to reach remote and underserved populations.
The Vice President also lauded innovative healthcare interventions such as Helicopter Emergency Medical Services and the use of drones for delivering medicines during the Char Dham Yatra and in remote areas, describing these as effective solutions to longstanding challenges in healthcare delivery.
The Vice President highlighted the rapid development of infrastructure in the region, including the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway. He commended the efforts of the Government of Uttarakhand under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for promoting inclusive development, strengthening infrastructure, and improving healthcare delivery.
C.P.Radhakrishnan emphasized that healthcare is a public trust and that medical professionals play a vital role in nation-building. He urged them to contribute through preventive care, rural outreach, research, and innovation, and to remain guided by the values of empathy, integrity, and service.
Those present on the occasion included the Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh (Retd.); Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami; Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel; President, AIIMS Rishikesh, Prof. Raj Bahadur; Dean (Academic), Prof. Saurabh; Executive Director, AIIMS Rishikesh, Prof. Meenu Singh; along with faculty members, students, and other dignitaries.