President Murmu Calls for Affordable Healthcare Solutions at AIIMS Bilaspur Convocation

Bilaspur- President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday called for greater focus on affordable and accessible healthcare solutions, saying premier institutions such as AIIMS have an important role to play in reducing the burden of medical treatment on ordinary citizens.

Addressing the first convocation of AIIMS Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, the President said the medical profession should ultimately be guided by the objective of serving humanity. She stressed that patients approach doctors not only with concerns and uncertainty about their illness but also with hope, making compassion and sensitivity an essential part of medical care.

Murmu urged medical professionals to combine clinical expertise with empathy and compassionate behaviour while pursuing excellence in their respective fields.

Highlighting the significance of the AIIMS network, the President said quality healthcare at affordable cost is one of its key strengths. She noted that AIIMS institutions have been established across different parts of the country to expand access to advanced medical treatment and provide more students with opportunities for high-quality medical education.

AIIMS Bilaspur faces special challenge in serving hill areas

The President said AIIMS Bilaspur carries a special responsibility because of its geographical location, with healthcare delivery in the remote and hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh presenting several challenges.

She called upon the institute to develop into a leading centre for advanced tertiary healthcare while strengthening medical services for people living in difficult-to-reach areas.

According to Murmu, technologies such as telemedicine and remote specialist consultations can help bridge geographical barriers. She also stressed the importance of training medical personnel and adopting the latest technologies to improve healthcare delivery in the state’s remote regions.

Affordable treatment remains a major concern

The President also highlighted the financial pressure faced by families when dealing with serious illnesses. She pointed to the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, under which eligible families receive health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year.

Murmu said providing quality healthcare at an affordable cost is a collective responsibility. The increasing cost of medicines and medical equipment, she noted, continues to create challenges for patients and their families.

She said the development of affordable, accessible and cost-effective healthcare solutions should be viewed as both a challenge and an opportunity for premier medical institutions such as AIIMS.

The President emphasised that improved and affordable healthcare would help citizens remain healthy and enable them to contribute more effectively to the country’s development.