You added quality to Covid fight: President lauds RGUHS grads

President Ram Nath Kovind urged the university to utilise national resources under Atmanirbhar Bharat

President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday applauded doctors and paramedics who rose to the pandemic challenge and played a big part in fighting the disease.

Delivering the convocation address at the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Bengaluru, the President said: "Your subject has been arguably the most important branch of knowledge during the past one year.”

“Covid-19 has inflicted agony and misery of unprecedented levels around the globe. We are proud of our doctors and paramedics who rose to the challenge, even if it meant a great risk to their own lives."

Kovind underlined the vital role played by RGUHS, which celebrated its 23rd convocation on Sunday.

"I am glad to learn that this university has trained over two lakh healthcare professionals, from doctors and nurses to administrators and hospital facility providers, to better respond to the outbreak. This campaign, I am sure, contributed immensely to creating a uniform response to provide quality care to Covid-19 patients, " he said.

The President said that healthcare delivery in India was poised to undergo a change at all stages — prevention, diagnosis and treatment. “No single entity in the sector can deliver results and achieve outcomes. The evolution of the sector calls for active involvement and participation of all stakeholders and the use of innovation to bridge intent and execution,” he said.

Although Covid-19 appears to be a one-of-a-kind health crisis, a section of scientists have warned that "we should be prepared for similar challenges ahead”, the President noted.

Kovind said the Union budget has recognised that health and wellbeing form one of the six crucial pillars of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

“Boosting healthcare infrastructure in the country is being given strong emphasis. Effective utilisation of this national resource will be possible only with your active support and contribution,” he said.

The President expressed happiness that girl students bagged more gold medals at the convocation. Of the 111 gold medallists, 87 were girls.

"I am happy that women are leading the country into the future in all fields, including medical sciences," he said.

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar and RGUHS Vice-Chancellor Dr S Sachidanand were present during the function.