In a recent address, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar of India emphasized the need for concerted efforts from stakeholders to ensure the accessibility and affordability of medicines for the general population. He referred to India as the “pharmacy of the world” and highlighted the positive influence of over 9,400 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which contribute to making medicines affordable and available to a wider audience.
Speaking at the 48th Convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, Dhankhar commended the institution for its remarkable achievements in the medical field. He specifically lauded AIIMS for setting high benchmarks that contribute to the advancement of healthcare.
Dhankhar expressed deep appreciation for the dedication and contributions of healthcare workers throughout the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. He acknowledged the exemplary commitment of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff, who demonstrated the essence of our civilizational values by stepping forward to save lives, often at the risk of their own.
Highlighting the significance of upholding the highest standards of professionalism across various sectors, Dhankhar cautioned against any form of dilution, commercialization, or ethical deviation, emphasizing that such deviations could have severe consequences for the very individuals that the services aim to assist.
The Vice President praised the Ayushman Bharat program, a government initiative providing health coverage to citizens, for its substantial impact not only on healthcare but also on the economy. Dhankhar highlighted that Ayushman Bharat has shielded numerous families from financial ruin that may have otherwise occurred in the absence of such a program.
Encouraging students to align their career paths with their inherent aptitudes, Dhankhar presented Lifetime Achievement awards to former faculty members of AIIMS as a recognition of their remarkable contributions to the institution.
The AIIMS convocation was graced by the presence of several dignitaries including Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Health Minister, S.P. Singh Baghel, the Minister of State (Health), and Prof. M. Srinivas, the Director of AIIMS, New Delhi, along with other esteemed officials and faculty members of AIIMS.