AI in Healthcare: Empathy Remains Key, Says President

President Droupadi Murmu stated on Monday that advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and precision medicine will significantly aid doctors in patient diagnosis. However, she underscored that human empathy is crucial and irreplaceable in healthcare. Speaking at the inaugural convocation of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rajkot, she addressed the graduating medical students.

President Murmu advised the new doctors to embrace technological developments while remembering the profound impact of kind words, patience, and compassionate listening. She stressed that being a doctor with ethics and human values is greater than just being medically skilled, capable of bringing significant societal change.

The President also highlighted the specific healthcare challenges in the Saurashtra region, noting its varied geography and rural populations. She called for focused improvements in maternal and child health, and sickle cell treatment, encouraging AIIMS Rajkot to view these challenges as opportunities. The institution's contributions to telemedicine and community medicine were acknowledged.

Addressing the national role of AIIMS, President Murmu linked healthcare maintenance to achieving 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. She emphasized the collaborative efforts required from all stakeholders and the pivotal role of institutions like AIIMS in advancing medical services, research, and innovation for the national healthcare framework.

During the ceremony, degrees were awarded to the first batch of 49 MBBS graduates from AIIMS Rajkot. The institute, whose foundation stone was laid in December 2020, now has a capacity of 750 beds across 22 specialty and 6 super specialty departments.