President Droupadi Murmu Addresses AIIMS Bilaspur's First Convocation, Emphasizes Affordable Healthcare

President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, attended the first convocation ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, on October 6, 2026. In her address during the occasion, the President stated that the primary objective of the medical profession should be the service of humanity.

Addressing the physicians, the President noted that when a patient visits a doctor, they come with fear and uncertainty, but also with hope. She emphasized that while knowledge and skill are used to identify and treat a disease, a doctor's sensitivity and compassionate behavior provide the patient with mental courage. She urged the medical professionals to embrace sensitivity and compassion alongside achieving excellence in their profession.

Discussing the role of AIIMS, the President said that providing quality medical facilities at minimum cost is the identity of AIIMS. She explained that numerous AIIMS institutions have been established across various parts of the country with the aim of ensuring that a maximum number of people can benefit from the services of qualified doctors, and that meritorious students can receive high-quality education to serve the nation.

Mentioning the geographical location of AIIMS Bilaspur, the President stated that delivering timely and quality healthcare services to the population living in the remote areas of Himachal Pradesh is a major challenge. She suggested that AIIMS Bilaspur should emerge as a leading center for advanced tertiary healthcare facilities. To achieve this, she highlighted the need to strengthen health services in hilly regions through telemedicine, specialist consultations for remote areas, training of medical personnel, and the use of modern technologies.

Referring to economic challenges, the President remarked that the cost of treating serious illnesses is very heavy for common people. She mentioned that to support the weaker sections of society, the Government of India is providing health insurance of up to 5 lakh rupees per family per year under the 'Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana'. She added that the rising prices of medical equipment and medicines are a serious challenge, and for institutions like AIIMS, developing affordable and accessible healthcare solutions is a significant opportunity.