Doctors work, life-saving service: Minister Nara Lokesh

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh on Tuesday said doctors command the highest moral respect in every civilization not because of wealth or status, but because they stand between life and death, serving as saviours of humanity. Addressing the convocation ceremony at AIIMS Mangalagiri as the chief guest, the minister urged graduating medical professionals to make trust and compassion integral parts of their professional duty.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lokesh noted that hospitals are spaces filled with anxiety, fear and hope, where patients look to doctors not only for treatment but also reassurance. “When a patient walks into an emergency ward, they seek confidence and compassion. Doctors do not merely prescribe medicines, they instil hope,” he said.

Recalling the COVID-19 pandemic, the minister praised healthcare workers for risking their own lives while the world remained indoors. He said doctors worked tirelessly in isolation wards, often staying away from their families, which earned them unparalleled respect in society.

Lokesh described the convocation as more than a ceremonial milestone, calling it a transition from student life to the responsibility of becoming guardians of human life. Highlighting the institution’s journey, he said AIIMS Mangalagiri, which began modestly in 2015, has evolved into a comprehensive medical institution with over 1,300 students across undergraduate, postgraduate, super-specialty nursing and allied health sciences programmes.

The institute has expanded from a limited number of beds in its early years to nearly 650 beds today, offering advanced medical services including open-heart surgeries, kidney transplants, robotic knee replacements, advanced oncology care and catheterisation laboratory facilities. More than 4.5 million laboratory and diagnostic services have been delivered so far, reflecting the institution’s growing role in public healthcare.

The minister described doctors as the true heroes of the country, stating that while artificial intelligence can support clinical decision-making, it can never replace the healing power of human touch. He encouraged graduates to continue lifelong learning, cultivate humility, and develop habits of regular reading and deep thinking.

Lokesh advised young doctors to understand healthcare challenges in tribal and remote regions and pay greater attention to mental health issues. “Technology should assist human intelligence, not dominate it,” he said.

Urging graduates to maintain ethical integrity, Lokesh cautioned against profit-driven medical practices and unnecessary prescriptions. He stressed that a doctor’s profession must reflect humanity, discipline and dedication, despite modern challenges such as social media scrutiny.

He also acknowledged the sacrifices of parents, teachers and mentors behind every successful doctor and encouraged graduates to embrace perseverance and humility while serving society with compassion.

Union Minister for Health, Chemicals and Fertilisers Anupriya Patel, AIIMS Mangalagiri President Major General Dr. Tapan Kumar Saha, Executive Director Dr. Antam Shanta Singh, faculty members, graduating doctors, nurses, healthcare professionals and parents attended the ceremony.