Technology can assist doctors but cannot replace human compassion: Vice Prez Radhakrishnan
Thiruvananthapuram, Sept. 27 (TNT): Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday urged medical graduates to combine scientific excellence with compassion and ethical conduct, stating that technology could assist doctors but could not replace the human aspects of medical care.
Addressing the 15th Graduation Day ceremony of Sree Uthradom Thirunal (SUT) Academy of Medical Sciences here, he said the true strength of a medical institution lay in the quality of education it imparted, the doctors it produced, the research it undertook and the patients it served.
Noting that artificial intelligence, robotics, digital health, advanced imaging and precision medicine were transforming healthcare, the Vice-President said the inauguration of robotic surgery and computer-aided diagnosis facilities at the institution reflected the importance of keeping medical education and healthcare aligned with technological advancements.
However, he stressed that machines and algorithms could not replace a doctor’s ability to listen to patients, understand their concerns, provide reassurance and take responsibility for their treatment.
He urged the graduates to uphold the trust associated with the medical profession through accurate diagnosis, honest communication, compassionate treatment and ethical decision-making.
Radhakrishnan said access to higher education was central to the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and noted that the development of every State, district and village was essential to achieving the goal.
Referring to the expansion of medical education over the past 12 years, he said 12 new All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) had been established in addition to the existing institution in New Delhi.
Highlighting the growing participation of women in higher education, he said 60 women and 32 men were receiving undergraduate degrees at the ceremony, while five women and two men were being awarded postgraduate degrees.
The Vice-President advised the graduating doctors to carry knowledge in their minds, compassion in their hearts and integrity in their conduct.
He urged them to remain humble despite their achievements, uphold ethical standards and stay connected with society. He also advised the young doctors to stay away from drugs.
Concluding his address, he wished the graduates success in their professional careers and said the greatest privilege of being a doctor was the opportunity to make a difference in another person’s life.
The ceremony was attended by Kerala and Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Kerala Minister for Labour, Animal Husbandry and Women and Child Development Bindhu Krishna, SUT Academy of Medical Sciences Chairman A. C. Shanmugam and Kerala University of Health Sciences Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal.
TNT KM
