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The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today called upon medical institutions to strengthen research, foster innovation and develop solutions to pressing healthcare challenges, while addressing the 40th (Ruby Jubilee) Anniversary Celebrations of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.

Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the Ruby Jubilee celebrations of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences in Vijayawada today.

He called upon medical institutions to strengthen research and innovation to address humanity’s healthcare challenges, emphasising that technology must serve humanity and compassion remain at the heart of healthcare.

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) October 26, 2026

Congratulating the University on completing four decades of service to medical education and healthcare, the Vice-President said that the institution embodies the vision of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and legendary leader Dr. Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao. He noted that Dr. NTR’s vision and public service extended beyond regional boundaries, reflecting a broader commitment to the welfare of the nation.

Highlighting the expansion of medical education under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Vice-President said that the number of medical colleges in India has more than doubled, from 387 before 2014 to 846 at present. MBBS seats have increased by 172 per cent, from around 51,000 to over 1.4 lakh, while postgraduate seats have risen by 177 per cent, from around 31,000 to over 86,000.

Emphasising that the next frontier must be research and innovation, the Vice-President urged talented students to dedicate themselves to addressing healthcare challenges facing humanity. He expressed hope that researchers from Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences would achieve global recognition, including the Nobel Prize, through their contributions to medical science.

Observing that Artificial Intelligence, digital health, telemedicine and advanced diagnostic technologies are transforming healthcare, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan encouraged the University to establish collaborations with leading universities to provide students and researchers greater exposure to advanced research and emerging technologies. He stressed that technological progress must be guided by scientific validation, patient safety, data privacy and ethical responsibility, adding that technology cannot replace the compassion and human connection central to the doctor-patient relationship.

The Vice-President also called upon doctors and healthcare professionals to play a proactive role in creating awareness against drug abuse. Describing the fight against drugs as a collective responsibility, he urged the medical fraternity to lead efforts to build a drug-free society.

As part of the programme, the Vice-President joined the gathering in taking a pledge to say no to drugs and promote a drug-free society.He also released a souvenir commemorating the University’s 40-year journey.

Shri S. Abdul Nazeer, Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Chancellor of the University; Shri Kolusu Parthasarathy, Minister for Housing, Information and Public Relations, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Dr. P. Chandrasekhar, Vice-Chancellor of the University; Dr. M. K. Ramesh, President of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board, National Medical Commission, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Earlier on his arrival at Vijaywada airport, Vice President Shri C P Radhakrishnan was warmly received by Shri S. Abdul Nazeer, Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Shri Nara Lokesh, Cabinet Minister , Govt. of Andhra Pradesh and other dignitaries.

Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan arrived at Vijayawada Airport today, where he was warmly received by Shri S. Abdul Nazeer, Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Nara Lokesh, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, and Human Resources Development, and other dignitaries.

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) October 26, 2026

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Official source

[Read the original PIB release](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2328428)

Source attribution: Press Information Bureau, Government of India.