Prez: Docs duty-bound to display compassion towards patients

Bilaspur: Medical profession is not merely a means of livelihood but a supreme medium for compassion, sensitivity and selfless service to society, President Droupadi Murmu said while addressing the first convocation of AIIMS Bilaspur here on Tuesday. At the start of her address, the President paid obeisance to Mata Shri Naina Devi, the deity of the shakti peeth in Bilaspur.

She acknowledged Bilaspur’s sacred soil and its historical significance. “I am delighted to visit this sacred abode of Goddess Naina Devi. Bilaspur is a land of heroes; its brave sons have sacrificed their lives to defend the nation. I respectfully salute all those immortal martyrs who contributed to India’s security,” she said.

On the occasion, the President felicitated five gold medal winning students and distributed degrees to others. Congratulating the gold medallists and graduating students, she said it should be of immense pride for them to be part of the first batch of AIIMS Bilaspur.

She reminded them that their fundamental duty was not merely to diagnose and treat illnesses but also to demonstrate profound sensitivity and compassion towards patients. When a patient receives empathy and a sense of personal connection with the doctor, half the battle against the ailment is won, the President said.

Noting that medical professionals often hesitate to serve in remote and inaccessible areas, she said the nation expects doctors graduating from prestigious institutions like AIIMS to rise above this mindset.