AP: Medical research, innovation must be next frontier, says Vice-President Radhakrishnan
Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Oct 26 (TNT) : Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Monday called for greater focus on medical research and innovation, urging healthcare institutions to harness emerging technologies to address critical health challenges while keeping compassion, patient safety and ethical responsibility at the centre of medical practice.
Addressing the 40th anniversary celebrations of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences (NTRUHS) here, he said artificial intelligence, digital health, telemedicine and advanced diagnostic technologies were transforming healthcare, and called upon the university to collaborate with leading global institutions to strengthen research and innovation.
He stressed that technology must serve humanity and could never replace the compassion and human connection essential to the doctor-patient relationship.
Highlighting the expansion of medical education in India, Radhakrishnan said the number of medical colleges had increased from 387 before 2014 to 846 at present. MBBS seats had risen by 172 per cent to more than 1.4 lakh, while postgraduate seats had increased by 177 per cent to over 86,000, he said.
Describing research as the next frontier in healthcare, the Vice-President encouraged students and researchers to develop solutions to pressing medical challenges and expressed hope that the university’s researchers would earn global recognition, including the Nobel Prize.
Congratulating the university on completing four decades, he said it represented the vision of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao and his commitment to public welfare.
Radhakrishnan also called upon doctors and healthcare professionals to take the lead in creating awareness against drug abuse and promoting a drug-free society.
He joined the gathering in taking a pledge to say no to drugs and released a souvenir marking the university’s 40-year journey.
Andhra Pradesh Governor and University Chancellor S. Abdul Nazeer, State Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy, Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Chandrasekhar, National Medical Commission Medical Assessment and Rating Board President Dr. M. K. Ramesh and other dignitaries attended the event.
TNT KM
