In a ceremony reverberating with a spirit of progress, the 4th convocation of AIIMS Jodhpur witnessed a landmark moment. Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled a wave of healthcare infrastructure expansion, emphasizing the government’s dedication to accessible and affordable medical care for all. His address resonated with both the promise of the future and the responsibility ingrained in the graduating doctors who stood before him.
The ceremony wasn’t simply a celebratory occasion; it was a tangible demonstration of commitment. Dr Mandaviya inaugurated a staggering 24 new health facilities across six AIIMS institutes – Bilaspur, Rishikesh, Gorakhpur, Nagpur, Bhubaneshwar, and Deoghar. These included Dharamshalas offering solace to patient attendants, trauma centres equipped to handle emergencies, cardiac cath labs saving lives with timely interventions, MRI machines illuminating vital diagnoses, and even dedicated girls’ hostels fostering inclusivity. Not stopping there, the Minister laid the foundation stone for a further 68 health services at AIIMS Jodhpur itself, marking an ambitious roadmap for the institute’s future. This included cutting-edge facilities like a PET-CT scanner for advanced diagnostics, a BSL-3 lab for pathogen research, and dedicated student and faculty housing, showcasing the government’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of medical professionals.
However, Dr Mandaviya’s message went beyond the impressive array of new facilities. He addressed the graduating doctors, reminding them of the sacred space a hospital represents. “Our hospitals are temples of medicine,” he declared, “and as a doctor, it is your responsibility to serve them.” His words resonated with a profound truth – that medical expertise must be coupled with dedication and service. This message held particular weight given the ongoing efforts to expand healthcare access, where every doctor becomes a crucial link in the chain of care.
The Minister went on to highlight the critical role of timely critical care in saving lives. He pointed to initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, underscoring the importance of ensuring rapid access to life-saving interventions across the country. This resonated with the inauguration of new trauma centres and dedicated cardiac facilities, each one representing a potential life saved through swift and skilled intervention.
Beyond immediate care, Dr. Mandaviya acknowledged the larger healthcare ecosystem. He commended the addition of 16 new AIIMS institutes and over 1,60,000 Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs, emphasizing the government’s push towards preventative healthcare and early intervention. He lauded digital health initiatives like eSanjeevni and Tele-MANAS, recognizing their power to bridge geographical gaps and make consultations accessible to all.
The Minister didn’t shy away from addressing specific challenges. He highlighted programs like the Sickle Cell Elimination Program and the TB Free India campaign, showcasing the government’s commitment to tackling specific diseases and aligning them with the broader vision of Ayushman Bharat – a vision of complete wellness for all.
The event at AIIMS Jodhpur went beyond the walls of the institute itself. It represented a shared responsibility for building a healthier India. Dr. Mandaviya’s address ignited hope with the promise of new facilities and expanded access, while simultaneously reminding the graduating doctors of their crucial role in upholding the spirit of service within these “temples of medicine.” As India strides towards a healthier future, this event stands as a testament to the collective effort – from government initiatives to individual dedication – that will pave the way for a nation where healthcare is not a privilege, but a right enjoyed by all.
