Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare digitally addressed the students of Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research, Chennai on their Convocation ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vardhan said, “I am highly delighted and honoured to deliver the address at this  32^ndConvocation of the Institute. With great pleasure, I congratulate all those who are present here to receive their degrees, certificates, and medals for their exceptional educational accomplishments today.” Dr Vardhan also remembered Shri N.P.V. Ramasamy Udayar who was instrumental in building the institute as one of the reputed private educational institutions of the country.

A total of 1266 students received their degrees in the 32^nd Convocation which includes 17 Doctoral, 26 Super speciality, 509 Postgraduates and 714 undergraduate degrees.

Appreciating the University on its various achievements, Dr Vardhan noted, “It is a matter of great delight that the University has been ranked 28^th among all Universities, 13^th among all medical schools and 7^thamong the dental schools in 2020 NIRF ranking.  Based on its consistent academic accreditations, the UGC has graded the Deemed University as a Category-I University. MCI had acknowledged Sri Ramachandra Medical College as a Nodal Center for Medical Education Technologies in 2009 and that the Nodal Center at Sri Ramachandra Medical College has been imparting training to the faculty members of nearly 58 medical schools.”

Appreciating the fact that the University is transforming into a multidisciplinary one in line with the National Education Policy of the Government of India, he said, “The uniqueness of this great institution plays a key role in attracting a large number of students from different parts of the country as well as abroad. I am especially happy that research is being given the utmost significance and that the Institution has established the Central Research Facility as the “A to Z gateway” for research to take care of all logistics of research planning on a ‘ready to use platform’ for the entire University.

Noting that the institution has been chosen to conduct ICMR vaccine trials, the Union Minister said, “We are at a crucial stage amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. While we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us all salute the frontline health workers, the doctors, nurses, technicians, transporters, Emergency Medical Technologists, Pharmacists, and everyone who supported patient care during this pandemic, being prepared to risk their own health and life. I understand that your institution had provided a separate block for the COVID patients.  I’m also happy that your institution has also served as a testing center since early April 2020.”

Emphasizing on the commitment of government towards bridging the regional gap in healthcare services, Dr Vardhan said, “The recent pandemic has showcased the contribution of the Government sector towards adequate healthcare. The Central Government has been taking effective steps to improve the  doctor-patient ratio as well as to increase the patient-bed ratio. With active support from the Central government, new medical colleges and AIIMS have been started in the country during the past 6 years. At the moment, in last One and a half years, 75 new medical colleges have been planned with 14 out of them in Tamil Nadu only. In last 6 years, we have planned to improve the number of AIIMS from 6 to 22.”

He reiterated the PM’s dream of making “Atma Nirbhar India”. Dr Vardhan said, “There is a lot of scope for Medical Professionals to innovate and improvise and facilitate the PM’s dream of “Atma Nirbhar India” and “Make in India” through Research and Development Initiatives.

The Union Health Minister also highlighted the actions of government to prevent spread of Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Harsh Vardhan said, “Honourable Prime Minister has himself interacted with the Chief Ministers of all States and UT administrations and all stakeholders to regularly understand issues and collaborate with the States for effective COVID management. To ensure accessibility of quality treatment for both COVID and non-COVID health issues, eSanjeevani’, a web-based comprehensive telemedicine solution is being utilized in 23 states to extend the reach of specialized healthcare services to masses in both rural areas and isolated communities. As of today, more than 12 lakh teleconsultations have been held on this digital platform.”

He continued in this regard, “Our government has also launched the world’s largest health scheme called Ayushman Bharat which comprises creation of 1,50,000 Health and Wellness Centres by upgrading the Sub Health Centres and rural and urban Primary Health Centres and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana under which around 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families have been identified as per Socio-Economic Caste Census and they are entitled for a health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.”

Encouraging the young graduates on the ceremony, Dr Vardhan said, “Studying medicine is itself a rigorous task. Medicine is a profession that requires years of practice to establish one’s reputation.  However, the esteem and honour one receives in this field is incomparable. A good doctor, who saves a life, often lives beyond his own life.  I am sure you will choose to do the right things in a righteous manner with the best of your intentions and efforts and will be successful in all walks of life.

He added,“Our beloved Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji has great confidence in the power of the youth and rightly believes that they are the biggest national asset that we have. Youth being a demographic dividend of our country, the next 5-10 years are expected to be a kind of golden era for India.  I urge all of you to move with great self-confidence and zeal to achieve the glory that is due for India.”

At the end, Dr Vardhan said, “My dear young friends, the convocation ceremony conducted today marks the culmination of your efforts and transition from students to professional readiness to serve society.  I urge you to be passionate about your chosen profession, demonstrate integrity, follow ethical standards and always be willing to be familiar with the technological developments taking place continuously in your chosen field of profession, and be a lifelong learner.”

Shri. V.R. Venkataachalam ji, Chancellor of the Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research,Shri R.V. Sengutuvan ji ,  Pro-Chancellor, and Dr. P.V. Vijayaraghavan ji ,  Vice-Chancellor,

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MV/SJ

HFW/HFM Convocation Ramchandra College/4^th January 2021/3