The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu graced the fifth convocation ceremony of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, today (July 14, 2025).
In her address, the President expressed her pleasure at the significant growth of AIIMS Bhubaneswar over the past 12 years. She highlighted that the institute has received many accolades for its contributions in patient care, medical research, and social welfare activities, earning the admiration of the people of Odisha and neighboring states such as West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
The President was particularly pleased to announce that the World Health Organisation recognised AIIMS Bhubaneswar with the Asia Safe Surgical Implant Consortium Quality Improvement Award for maintaining high standards in the reprocessing of surgical instruments and implants. Additionally, the institute has won the National Kayakalpa Award for exceptional sanitation and hospital services for five consecutive years.
She noted that AIIMS centers established across the country provide healthcare utilizing the latest medical advancements and experienced doctors. This initiative allows people to access quality medical facilities at a low cost. The President expressed her confidence that India will emerge as a leading global healthcare destination, largely due to the success of AIIMS.
The President emphasised that advancements in medical research have made treatments more effective, leading to a decline in the occurrence of many epidemics. The burdens of diseases such as smallpox, leprosy, polio, and tuberculosis are no longer what they once were, and she praised doctors, researchers, health workers, and governments for their contributions to this progress.
Addressing the issue of depression, the President highlighted it as a growing concern in society. She noted that, beyond medication, raising awareness is critical for addressing depression, and that lifestyle changes can promote mental well-being. She recommended yoga and pranayama as beneficial practices for mental health and urged doctors to educate the public on the advantages of a healthy lifestyle.
The President also highlighted obesity as a significant lifestyle disease. She encouraged individuals to adopt a disciplined routine, improve their eating habits, and engage in regular exercise to combat this issue. She urged doctors to raise awareness about obesity within society.
Lastly, the President advised healthcare professionals to focus on local health concerns, underscoring the prevalence of two diseases in tribal communities: Japanese Encephalitis and Sickle Cell Anaemia. She noted that the government has initiated several measures to address these issues and urged doctors to conduct research aimed at improving treatment for these diseases.
