Lady Hardinge Medical College Convocation Marks National Health Achievements

Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC), one of India’s oldest and most iconic medical institutions, marked a momentous milestone today with its Annual Convocation Day ceremony. The event was graced by Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Smt. Anupriya Patel, who served as the Chief Guest. Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul, Member of NITI Aayog, was the Guest of Honour, while Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services, joined as a special guest.

A Legacy of Women Empowerment and National Service

In her keynote address, Smt. Anupriya Patel commended LHMC for being a historic symbol of women’s empowerment. “This institution has stood as a beacon for women in medicine, predating even the Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan,” she said. Tracing LHMC's 110-year legacy, she noted its transformation into a vibrant confluence of heritage and modernity.

Highlighting LHMC’s role in promoting gender equality, the Minister emphasized its unique identity as an all-women MBBS institution, with strong postgraduate and specialty offerings. Each year, it confers MBBS degrees to 240 students and nearly 200 specialty degrees, cultivating a generation of competent, compassionate professionals equipped to lead healthcare for decades.

Bridging Ethics and Modern Healthcare Challenges

Acknowledging the trials faced by medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic, Smt. Patel remarked, “Your service during this unprecedented time will shape your strength in the face of future challenges.” She reminded the young doctors of the ethical responsibilities they carry. “Medicine is a unique combination of privilege and duty. As healers, you must be the embodiment of empathy, service, and integrity,” she urged.

She congratulated the graduates’ families, faculty, and staff, whose collective support helped achieve these milestones.

India’s Vision for a Healthy and Developed Nation

Touching upon the broader policy landscape, Smt. Patel reiterated the Modi Government’s commitment to making India a developed nation by 2047. “Health is central to this transformation,” she said, citing the National Health Policy of 2017 and the government's shift to a holistic model encompassing preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative care.

She noted a steady rise in public health investment, which now stands close to 2% of the GDP, with a goal of reaching 2.5% as set out in the National Health Policy. “Only a healthy India can be a Viksit Bharat,” she emphasized.

Efforts to improve social determinants of health—clean water, sanitation, housing, and cooking fuel—are crucial pillars of this strategy. She also highlighted infrastructure improvements such as the increase in AIIMS from 7 to 23, and the creation of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs for revolutionizing primary care delivery.

Expanding Access Through Digital and Affordable Care

Smt. Patel outlined key initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)—the world’s largest health assurance scheme—which currently benefits around 55 crore people. She also lauded the Jan Aushadhi Kendras for offering quality generic medicines at affordable prices, significantly cutting out-of-pocket healthcare costs for citizens.

During her remarks, she also recalled India’s global leadership in pandemic response, administering over 220 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses, setting a global example.

A Call to Innovate, Research, and Lead

Urging young doctors to be pioneers, Smt. Patel called on them to engage in medical research and digital health innovation to address future health threats and ensure equitable healthcare delivery. “You are the torchbearers of LHMC’s legacy—carry it forward with pride, distinction, and compassion,” she said in her concluding note.

Dr. Paul Urges National Leadership on Antimicrobial Stewardship

Guest of Honour Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul praised the graduates, calling the ceremony a defining moment in their lives. He emphasized their dual responsibility: to serve both humanity and the nation.

Dr. Paul lauded LHMC’s efforts in developing a robust Antibiotic Policy and rational drug use framework—commendable steps amidst global concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR). “This is not optional—it is essential. LHMC should lead by example across India’s medical institutions,” he urged.

He also echoed the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat and emphasized that advancing healthcare metrics like life expectancy and child mortality would be essential indicators of progress.

Dr. Sunita Sharma’s Homecoming

Dr. Sunita Sharma, DGHS, expressed her personal pride as an LHMC alumna and faculty member of nearly 30 years. “Watching students I taught receive their degrees is a matter of profound pride,” she said. She encouraged them to serve with “character, conviction, commitment, courage, and courtesy.”

Celebrating Achievements and Launching New Milestones

Over 600 students received their degrees in MBBS, MD, MS, MDS, and super-specialties like DM/MCh. The Annual Report of LHMC for 2024 and its Antibiotics Policy were formally launched during the convocation.

The event was attended by senior officials from the Government of India, heads of central government hospitals and medical colleges across Delhi-NCR, Dr. Sarita Beri (Director, LHMC), and Dr. Anju Seth (Principal, LHMC), among others.