Chennai, 27 Oct 2026: 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) Anniver sary Celebrations of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
Congratulating the University on complet ing four decades of service to medical education and health care, the Vice-President said that the institution embodies the vision of former A ndhra 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 expres sed hope that resear chers 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, telemedi cine and advanced diag nostic technologies are transforming health care, Shri C. P. Radha krishnan encouraged the University to establish collaborations with leading universities to provide students and resear chers 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.