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Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC), one of India’s oldest and most prestigious medical institutions, marked its annual convocation with a ceremony today. The event was honored by Smt. Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, who served as the Chief Guest. Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul, Member of NITI Aayog, was the Guest of Honor, while Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services, attended as a special guest.
A Legacy of Women Empowerment and National Service
In her keynote address, Smt. Anupriya Patel praised LHMC for being a symbol of women’s empowerment in the medical field. “This institution has been a beacon for women in medicine since its inception, even predating Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan,” she said. Tracing LHMC’s 110-year legacy, she noted its transformation into a vibrant blend of heritage and modernity.
Highlighting the college’s role in promoting gender equality, Smt. Patel emphasized its unique status as an all-women MBBS institution with strong postgraduate and specialty offerings. Each year, it awards 240 MBBS degrees and nearly 200 specialty degrees, fostering a generation of competent, compassionate professionals who will lead healthcare for decades.
Bridging Ethics and Modern Healthcare Challenges
Acknowledging the challenges faced by medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic, Smt. Patel remarked, “Your service during this unprecedented time has shaped your strength in the face of future challenges.” She reminded the young doctors of their ethical responsibilities. “Medicine is a unique combination of privilege and duty. As healers, you must embody empathy, service, and integrity,” she urged.
She congratulated the graduates’ families, faculty, and staff for their collective support in achieving these milestones.
India’s Vision for a Healthy and Developed Nation
Touching upon the broader policy landscape, Smt. Patel reiterated the Modi Government’s commitment to making India a developed nation by 2047. “Health is central to this transformation,” she said, citing the National Health Policy of 2017 and the government’s shift to a holistic model encompassing preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative care.
She noted a steady rise in public health investment, which now stands close to 2% of the GDP, with a goal of reaching 2.5%. “Only a healthy India can be a Viksit Bharat,” she emphasized.
Efforts to improve social determinants of health—clean water, sanitation, housing, and cooking fuel—are crucial pillars of this strategy. She also highlighted infrastructure improvements such as the increase in AIIMS from 7 to 23, and the creation of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs for revolutionizing primary care delivery.
Expanding Access Through Digital and Affordable Care
Smt. Patel outlined key initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)—the world’s largest health assurance scheme—which currently benefits around 55 crore people. She also praised the Jan Aushadhi Kendras for offering quality generic medicines at affordable prices, significantly reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs for citizens.
During her remarks, she recalled India’s global leadership in pandemic response, administering over 220 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses, setting a global example.
A Call to Innovate, Research, and Lead
Urging young doctors to be pioneers, Smt. Patel called on them to engage in medical research and digital health innovation to address future health threats and ensure equitable healthcare delivery. “You are the torchbearers of LHMC’s legacy—carry it forward with pride, distinction, and compassion,” she said.
Dr. Paul Urges National Leadership on Antimicrobial Stewardship
Guest of Honor Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul praised the graduates, calling the ceremony a defining moment in their lives. He emphasized their dual responsibility to serve both humanity and the nation.
Dr. Paul lauded LHMC’s efforts in developing a robust Antibiotic Policy and rational drug use framework—commendable steps amidst global concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR). “This is not optional—it is essential. LHMC should lead by example across India’s medical institutions,” he urged.
He also echoed the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat and emphasized that advancing healthcare metrics like life expectancy and child mortality would be essential indicators of progress.
Dr. Sunita Sharma’s Homecoming
Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), expressed her personal pride as an LHMC alumna and faculty member for nearly 30 years. “Watching students I taught receive their degrees is a matter of profound pride,” she said. She encouraged them to serve with “character, conviction, commitment, courage, and courtesy.”
Celebrating Achievements and Launching New Milestones
Over 600 students received their degrees in MBBS, MD, MS, MDS, and super-specialties like DM/MCh. The Annual Report of LHMC for 2024 and its Antibiotics Policy were formally launched during the convocation.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Government of India, heads of central government hospitals and medical colleges across Delhi-NCR, Dr. Sarita Beri (Director, LHMC), and Dr. Anju Seth (Principal, LHMC), among others.
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