Bhubaneswar, 18 July (H.S.): The All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhubaneswar marked a significant milestone by hosting its 6th Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, celebrating academic excellence and the graduation of 684 students across multiple medical and allied disciplines.

The ceremoney was graced by Anupriya Patel, who attended as the Chief Guest, along with Mukesh Mahaling, adding prominence to the occasion.

Delivering the convocation address, Anupriya Patel congratulated the graduating students and urged them to uphold the highest standards of ethics and empathy in their medical careers.

She emphasized the symbolic importance of the white coat, stating that it represents trust, responsibility, and commitment. Encouraging the new doctors, she remarked that they should wear it with both confidence and compassion while serving patients.

Highlighting the unique identity of AIIMS graduates, she described them as “Doctor+,” noting that their training goes beyond conventional medical education due to advanced infrastructure, research exposure, and strong mentorship combined with values of empathy and care.

The Union Minister pointed to the rapid growth of India’s healthcare sector, stating that the number of AIIMS institutions has increased significantly from 7 to 23, improving access to quality healthcare and education nationwide.

She also underlined key government initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which has extended healthcare coverage to millions, and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, aimed at strengthening digital health infrastructure.

Addressing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, she stressed the importance of preventive healthcare and early diagnosis. She highlighted the establishment of over 1.84 lakh Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs and India’s large-scale screening programme for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancers.

Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling lauded the institution’s contribution to strengthening healthcare delivery in Odisha and eastern India. He acknowledged its role in medical education, research, and specialized healthcare services, and extended his best wishes to the graduating students.

The convocation ceremony was formally declared open by Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Presenting the Institute’s progress report, he highlighted achievements in academics, patient care, research, and infrastructure development.

A total of 684 students were awarded degrees during the ceremony. The graduating batch included MBBS, MD/MS, DM/MCh, post-doctoral fellows, PhD scholars, nursing students, and paramedical graduates.

In recognition of academic excellence, 61 gold medals were presented to 32 meritorious students by the Chief Guest.

The event was also attended by key dignitaries including Anita Saxena, Dillip Kumar Parida, and Sudipta Ranjan Singh.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda