Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan Attends SSUHS Convocation in Guwahati, Calls for Compassionate and Ethical Healthcare
Highlights
- Vice President urges graduating healthcare professionals to combine compassion, ethics and scientific excellence with a commitment to serving humanity.
- Praises the transformation of India’s healthcare sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
- Assam’s medical colleges increased from 7 in 2021 to 15, with 9 more medical colleges under construction.
- Highlights AIIMS Guwahati and Assam’s three-tier cancer-care network as major additions to healthcare infrastructure in the Northeast.
- More than 44 crore Ayushman cards have been issued under Ayushman Bharat.
- Calls upon youth to stay away from substance abuse and contribute to the vision of Nasha Mukt Bharat.
- Advises students to use social media constructively and avoid excessive screen time.
Guwahati, September 6, 2026: Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan urged graduating healthcare professionals to uphold compassion, ethics and scientific excellence and dedicate their knowledge and skills to the service of humanity while addressing the convocation ceremony of Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences (SSUHS) in Guwahati.
During the convocation, the Vice President also presented the Dr. John Berry White Award for the years 2023, 2024 and 2025.
SSUHS playing an important role in health sciences education
Addressing the gathering, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan highlighted the contribution of SSUHS to health sciences education, research and public health.
He noted that the University, named after Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva, has emerged as an important institution in the field of healthcare education and research.
The Vice President particularly appreciated the University's efforts to promote medical knowledge in local languages. He referred to initiatives including the publication of an Anglo-Assamese Dictionary of Medical Science and medical textbooks in Assamese.
According to him, making healthcare knowledge accessible in local languages can help strengthen understanding and improve communication within diverse communities.
Ayushman Bharat has expanded healthcare access
The Vice President highlighted the transformation taking place in India's healthcare sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Referring to Ayushman Bharat, he said that more than 44 crore Ayushman cards have been issued. He also recalled that the scheme has helped poor and middle-class families save an estimated ₹2 lakh crore in medical expenses.
He said such initiatives have contributed to expanding access to healthcare and reducing the financial burden of medical treatment on families.
Assam’s medical infrastructure sees major expansion
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan also highlighted the progress made by Assam in expanding medical education and healthcare infrastructure.
He said that the number of medical colleges in Assam has more than doubled from seven in 2021 to 15, while nine additional medical colleges are under construction.
The Vice President highlighted the establishment of AIIMS Guwahati, describing it as the first AIIMS in the Northeast.
He also referred to Assam’s three-tier cancer-care network, including the State’s first Proton Beam Therapy Centre, as an important development in advanced cancer treatment.
The expansion of specialised healthcare infrastructure, he said, is changing the healthcare landscape of the region and enabling patients from outside Assam to increasingly seek advanced medical treatment in Guwahati.
He congratulated Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Government of Assam for their efforts to strengthen the State's healthcare infrastructure.
Healthcare professionals urged to combine science with compassion
Addressing the graduating students, the Vice President stressed that medical professionals carry a responsibility that goes beyond technical expertise.
He urged them to combine scientific excellence with compassion, ethics and a spirit of service.
Young healthcare professionals, he said, will have a crucial role in advancing the vision of a Viksit and Swasth Bharat.
The Vice President encouraged the graduating students to use their knowledge not only to advance their professional careers but also to contribute to the wellbeing of society.
Call for a Nasha Mukt Bharat
The Vice President also addressed concerns related to substance abuse among young people.
Calling upon the youth to lead healthy and disciplined lives, he urged students to stay away from substance abuse and contribute towards building a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
He also advised students to use social media constructively and ensure that it does not consume excessive amounts of their time.
The message came as part of his broader call for young people to maintain discipline, focus on their goals and use emerging technologies and digital platforms responsibly.
Youth have key role in India’s healthcare future
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan emphasised that India’s young healthcare professionals will be central to the country's future healthcare system.
With rapid developments in medical technology, infrastructure and healthcare delivery, he encouraged the graduating students to remain committed to continuous learning and professional excellence.
He wished the graduating students success in their future endeavours and urged them to dedicate themselves to serving humanity.
Dignitaries attend SSUHS convocation
The convocation ceremony was attended by Governor of Assam Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister of Medical Education & Research Shri Ashok Singhal, Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, and Vice-Chancellor of SSUHS Dr. Anup Kumar Barman.
Faculty members, researchers, students and parents were also present at the ceremony.
The event marked an important occasion for the graduating students of SSUHS as they prepare to enter the healthcare profession and contribute to the country's efforts towards building a healthier and more developed India.
Click Here for More Latest News