The 107th Annual Day and Convocation Ceremony of Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) witnessed a prestigious guest on February 26, 2024 – the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu. Her address highlighted the evolving landscape of medical science and the responsibilities it entails. 
Embracing the Expanding Horizons of Medicine:
President Murmu emphasized the transformation of medical science, transcending its traditional focus on treatment. She spoke about the blurring lines between physical, digital, and biological realms due to the 4th Industrial Revolution. Breakthroughs in synthetic biology and gene editing hold significant promise for tackling long-standing health challenges, while also presenting ethical concerns. President Murmu expressed her confidence in the medical community to navigate these advancements responsibly and ethically, with a focus on “one health,” an integrated approach to human, animal, and environmental health.
Beyond Expertise: The Importance of Empathy and Service:
President Murmu acknowledged the societal perception of doctors as “God-like figures.” She urged them to acknowledge this moral responsibility and embody it through their conduct. True success, she emphasized, rests not only on professional competence but also on human values like compassion, kindness, and empathy. Citing Gandhi’s philosophy, she reminded the graduates that knowledge devoid of character and science without humanity are meaningless. Their primary focus, she stressed, should not be monetary gain but the principle of “service before self.”
LHMC’s Pioneering Initiatives:
The President commended LHMC for its various initiatives that address crucial healthcare challenges:
- Registration as an Organ Transplant Retrieval Centre:Â This crucial step contributes to bridging the gap between organ availability and demand.
- Comprehensive Antibiotic Stewardship Program:Â This program tackles the critical issue of antibiotic resistance, promoting responsible use to ensure their continued effectiveness.
- Blood Bag Delivery under the iDrone Initiative:Â This innovative collaboration utilizes drone technology to ensure timely delivery of blood bags, potentially saving countless lives.
- National Human Milk Bank and Lactation Counseling Center “Vatsalya – Matri Amrit Kosh” (in collaboration with the Government of Norway):Â This center promotes awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and contributes to reducing infant mortality rates.
President Murmu’s address served as a powerful reminder of the evolving nature of medicine and the critical role of medical professionals in promoting not just physical wellbeing but also ethical and compassionate care. Her praise for LHMC’s initiatives highlights the college’s commitment to innovation and addressing critical healthcare needs in India.