President Droupadi Murmu attended the first convocation ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bilaspur on October 6, 2026, and called on medical professionals and premier healthcare institutions to focus on compassionate, affordable and accessible healthcare.
Addressing the gathering, the President said the fundamental purpose of the medical profession is to serve humanity. She stressed that patients approach doctors not only with concerns about their illness but also with hope, making empathy and compassionate communication an important part of medical care.
The President highlighted the importance of providing quality medical treatment at affordable costs, noting that this remains a key role associated with AIIMS institutions. She said the expansion of AIIMS centres across the country is aimed at extending specialised healthcare to more people while providing quality medical education and training to meritorious students.
She also emphasised the special responsibility of AIIMS Bilaspur because of its location in Himachal Pradesh’s hilly and remote areas. The institute, she said, has an important role in developing advanced tertiary healthcare services and improving timely access to specialised treatment for people living in difficult-to-reach regions.
The President highlighted the potential of telemedicine, specialist consultations, medical training and modern healthcare technologies in strengthening health services in mountainous areas. These tools can help connect patients in remote communities with specialised medical expertise while reducing barriers related to distance and access.
The financial burden associated with serious illnesses was also highlighted during the address. The President referred to the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), under which eligible families receive health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year.
She said rising costs of medicines and medical equipment remain a challenge for patients and families. Developing healthcare solutions that are affordable, accessible and cost-effective, she added, presents both a challenge and an opportunity for premier medical institutions such as AIIMS.
The President called for collective efforts across the healthcare sector to ensure that people can access quality treatment without facing excessive financial hardship, enabling them to maintain their health and contribute to the country’s development.
