Amrit kaal is our Gaurav kaal says VP

The Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today emphasized the need for holistic medical care by working on a mechanism to avoid people reaching the hospital. Calling for convergence of all forms of medicinal therapies, he said that allopathy and our age old medicinal therapy systems must converge to help the humanity at large.

Addressing the centenary celebrations of Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnam today, the Vice President described formation of Ministry of AYUSH in 2014 as a milestone moment for our country as we rediscovered our traditional wealth.

Shri Dhankhar called the centenary celebrations of the Andhra Medical College as a ‘pleasant coincidence’ that these celebrations were taking place in Amrit kaal which he referred as our Gaurav kaal in which “our phenomenal growth of Bharat has been recognised and acknowledged globally and  there is reflection of it on the ground”, he noted.

Shri Dhankhar described medical profession as a pious profession and a service to humanity. Stating that doctors are taken next only to God, VP said that they inspire a lot of belief in the people. However, the Vice-President expressed his disapproval of some establishments that have grown into a mode of commercialisation. “We need to have a culture of high ethical standards, we need to generate an ecosystem, a self-regulating system,” he added while underlining that ethical standards of the highest sublime order are quintessential to this profession, which is taken to be next to God.

Calling for an end to exploitative tendencies in medical sector, VP called for developing in-house mechanism for the same. “Exploitative tendencies are antithetical to proprietary, good sense and conscience. Exploitative tendencies in the field of medicine are killing,” he added.

Underscoring the pivotal role of good health in fostering the nation’s growth and economic prosperity, Shri Dhankhar articulated, “Growth trajectory of Bharat can be sustained and secured only when our people are healthy.” Furthermore, he cautioned that the loss of health renders wealth inconsequential, making one incapable of harnessing their talents, strategies, convictions, and direction to make meaningful contributions to society.

Emphasizing on unadulterated commitment to nationalism, the Vice-President lauded the dedication of our healthcare warriors who, during the challenging times of COVID, selflessly supported others, often at the risk of their own lives. Furthermore, he underscored India’s remarkable generosity in providing our indigenously developed Covaxin to over a hundred countries under the Covaxin Maitree diplomacy.

Reflecting on the historical importance of hygiene and sanitation as seen in the archaeological evidence of Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, the Vice-President stated that we had momentarily lost sight of this essential perspective. Nevertheless, due to recent transformative initiatives in the past one decade such as Har Ghar Jhal, Swaccha Bharat Mission, and the distribution of free gas connections, VP acknowledged that these changes have empowered millions of people across the nation. The provision of a toilet in every household not only brings widespread relief but also pays a deep tribute to the dignity of our mothers and daughters.

Cautioning against the peddling of orchestrated narratives by certain forces to undermine our institutions, the Vice-President called upon discerning individuals to heed the call of their conscience and not remain silent on this pressing issue.

Commending the alumni for their generous contribution of 50 Crores towards the Andhra Medical College Centenary Academic Block Building, the Vice-President also urged for the creation of a structured mechanismthatwould enable alumni to actively participate as partners in the nation’s progress, not only through financial contributions but also by sharing ideas and contributing to policy-making.

The Vice President, who is on a day tour to Visakhapatnam, earlier laid the foundation stone of Clinical & Biomedical Research Center at Andhra Medical College and later released First day Postal Cover and Centenary Coffee Table Book of Andhra Medical College. He also visited the Eastern Naval Command during this tour.

Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Smt. Vidadala Rajini, Minister for Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Gudivada Amarnath, Minister for Industries, Infrastructure, Investment & Commerce, Information Technology and Handlooms & Textiles, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. T. Ravi Raju, Chairman Centenary Committee, Andhra Medical College, Shri G.V.L. Narasimha Rao, Hon’ble Member of Rajya Sabha, Shri C. M. Ramesh, Hon’ble Member of Rajya Sabha, M V V Satyanarayana, Hon’ble Member of Lok Sabha, faculty members and other