VP Radhakrishnan urges medical research to address global healthcare challenges

Hyderabad: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Monday urged medical institutions to strengthen research and innovation to tackle major healthcare challenges. He stressed that technology must serve humanity and compassion must remain central to healthcare.

Addressing the 40th Ruby Jubilee celebrations of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences in Vijayawada, he encouraged students and researchers to pursue scientific breakthroughs. He also called on them to seek global recognition through meaningful contributions to medical science.

Radhakrishnan highlighted the expansion of medical education in India. He said the number of medical colleges had increased from 387 before 2014 to 846. Meanwhile, MBBS seats had risen to more than 1.4 lakh, while postgraduate seats exceeded 86,000.

He called for wider use of artificial intelligence, digital health, telemedicine and advanced diagnostic technologies. However, he emphasised that these advances must undergo scientific validation and protect patient safety. He also underlined the importance of data privacy and ethical responsibility.

VP calls for global collaboration and drug awareness

Radhakrishnan encouraged medical institutions to collaborate with leading universities worldwide to advance research. He also praised former Chief Minister N. T. Rama Rao as a visionary leader whose commitment extended beyond regional boundaries. He congratulated the university on completing 40 years of service in medical education and healthcare.

The Vice-President urged doctors and healthcare professionals to lead public awareness campaigns against drug abuse. He described the fight against narcotics as a shared responsibility. He also joined attendees in taking a pledge to promote a drug-free society and released a souvenir marking the university’s 40-year journey.

Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Ministers Nara Lokesh and Kolusu Parthasarathy, University Vice-Chancellor P. Chandrasekhar and other dignitaries attended the event.