Doctorhood is not a profession, it's a vow: President Droupadi Murmu at AIIMS Bhubaneswar

Addressing the convocation ceremony of AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Monday, President of India Droupadi Murmu said that 'doctorhood is not a profession, it's a vow.

President Murmu extended heartfelt congratulations to the graduating students, acknowledging their dedication and achievement.

Expressing special joy over the fact that more female students received gold medals than male students, the President said, "Mothers and sisters are the true symbols of service. The more women enter the medical field, the stronger our healthcare system will become."

Highlighting AIIMS Bhubaneswar's growing prominence, the President noted that patients are now coming from outside the country to seek quality treatment here. In the past decade alone, over 10 lakh (1 million) people have been treated at the institute.

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Drawing from personal experience, the President shared, "I spent my childhood in a village where people regarded doctors as Gods. In reality, doctorhood is not just a profession—it is a sacred vow."

She emphasized that medical service has no endpoint and continues until the last breath, saying, "This is not a 10-to-5 duty. Doctors must be ready to work at all times. The inner satisfaction derived from this selfless service is beyond comparison."

The President's speech served as a powerful reminder of the nobility and responsibility associated with the medical profession, urging the new graduates to serve society with compassion and commitment.

"I am happy that girls have secured more gold medals than the boys. Like many other sectors, it's an encouraging sign that girls are doing better than boys in the medical sector as well. I am sure that more of our girls will become doctors and serve the patients with care. History suggests that mothers and sisters are symbols of service. I am sure that the service will be more strengthened and careful when more and more girls become doctors. When the foundation stone of this institution was laid, I was here along with Dharmendra Babu (Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan). At that time, many people were not present at this place. However, the place is very attractive today with buildings and trees. Now, hundreds of students are coming here for studies and thousands of patients are coming here for treatment on a daily basis," said President Murmu.

"I believe that on the basis of healthcare provided at AIIMS, India will be a leading healthcare destination across the globe. I am glad to know that over the last twelve years, this institute has grown significantly. Be it patient care, medical research or social welfare activities, this institute has earned many accolades. In the past decade alone, over 10 lakh (1 million) people have been treated at the institute. Also, 17 lakhs diagnostic tests and 25,000 surgeries have also been conducted. I am glad to know that this institute functions with a large number of medical departments and various services. There are many specialists and super specialities delivering healthcare across many disciplines," she added.