President Murmu Calls for Compassionate and Affordable Healthcare at AIIMS Bilaspur

President Murmu Calls for Compassionate and Affordable Healthcare at AIIMS Bilaspur

CNB WORLD TIMES

Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh | October 6, 2026

President Droupadi Murmu attended the first convocation of AIIMS Bilaspur in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, on October 6, 2026.

Addressing the graduating students, the President said that the main purpose of the medical profession should be to serve humanity. She said that patients come to doctors with fear and uncertainty, but also with hope.

The President stressed that medical knowledge and skills are important, but empathy and compassion are equally necessary. She urged doctors to treat patients with sensitivity and kindness while maintaining high professional standards.

She said that providing quality medical care at an affordable cost is an important feature of AIIMS. For people across the country, AIIMS represents access to treatment from highly qualified doctors. She noted that several AIIMS institutions have been established in different parts of India to expand access to quality healthcare and provide more students with opportunities for advanced medical education.

AIIMS Bilaspur Has a Special Role

President Murmu said AIIMS Bilaspur has a special responsibility because of its geographical location. Providing timely and quality healthcare to people living in remote and hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh presents several challenges.

She said AIIMS Bilaspur should develop as a leading centre for advanced tertiary healthcare. She also highlighted the importance of telemedicine, specialist consultations, training of healthcare workers and the use of modern technology to improve healthcare services in remote areas.

Affordable Healthcare for All

The President said that the cost of treatment for serious illnesses can place a heavy financial burden on families, particularly vulnerable sections of society.

She referred to the Government of India's Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which provides health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.

She said providing quality healthcare at an affordable cost is a collective responsibility. The rising cost of medical equipment and medicines remains a challenge for patients and their families.

President Murmu said that developing affordable, accessible and cost-effective healthcare solutions is both a challenge and an opportunity for premier institutions such as AIIMS.

She expressed the hope that such efforts would help people remain healthy and enable them to contribute fully to the development and progress of the country.