President Droupadi Murmu Addresses AIIMS Bhubaneswar Convocation, Hails Institution as Symbol of Healthcare Excellence

President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu addressed the 5th Annual Convocation of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar on Monday, lauding the institution’s stellar contributions to medical education, research, and public healthcare. The convocation ceremony also saw the participation of key dignitaries, including Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

In her address, the President praised AIIMS Bhubaneswar for becoming a trusted healthcare institution not only in Odisha but across eastern India, including West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. She highlighted that in the past year alone, AIIMS Bhubaneswar treated over 10 lakh outpatients, conducted 17 lakh diagnostic tests, and performed more than 25,000 surgeries.

Reflecting on the institution’s rapid rise since its inception in 2003 by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the President noted its excellence in education, research, and service, citing accolades like the Asia Safe Surgical Implant Consortium (ASSIC) QIP Award and five consecutive Kayakalp Awards for hospital sanitation and services.

“AIIMS Bhubaneswar has demonstrated exceptional commitment not just in treatment but also in social outreach. Doctors here are truly representatives of God,” President Murmu said, encouraging graduating students to serve society with knowledge, skill, empathy, and integrity.

Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati called AIIMS Bhubaneswar a beacon of healthcare and education in eastern India, ranking second only to AIIMS Delhi among national institutions. He lauded the institute’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic and its commitment to equitable access to healthcare.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted AIIMS Bhubaneswar’s alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Digital India and disease eradication, particularly sickle cell anaemia. He applauded the institute’s modern services, including e-payment systems, and assured state support to expand healthcare infrastructure.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan underscored the role of AIIMS Bhubaneswar in building a healthier, more prosperous India. He emphasized the government’s focus on transforming Odisha into a MedTech hub, and urged students to address regional health challenges and help realise the vision of a developed India by 2047.

During the ceremony, 643 students received degrees, including 196 MBBS, 158 MS, 49 MD, 116 postdoctoral fellows, 62 B.Sc. Nursing, and 41 M.Sc. Nursing graduates. 59 gold medals were awarded across various disciplines.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar President Prof. (Dr.) Shailesh Kumar and Executive Director Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Biswas were also present, along with faculty, students, and family members who celebrated the achievements of the graduating batch.