“No AI Can Replace a Doctor’s Presence”: VP Radhakrishnan
VP C.P. Radhakrishnan praises AIIMS for medical excellence, affordability and global achievements
- Vice President addresses 51st AIIMS convocation in Delhi
- VP says AIIMS is now setting global healthcare benchmarks
- C.P. Radhakrishnan urges doctors to lead with empathy
- AIIMS praised for combining excellence with affordability
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 12th May: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday said no artificial intelligence can replace the moral strength and human connection of a doctor standing beside a patient.
Addressing the 51st Convocation Ceremony of All India Institute of Medical Sciences at Bharat Mandapam, the Vice President urged graduating doctors and healthcare professionals to uphold empathy, integrity and compassion in medical practice.
“No AI can replace a doctor’s presence at a patient’s bedside,” he said.
VP Says AIIMS Is Setting Global Standards
Radhakrishnan praised AIIMS for emerging as a leading centre of medical innovation, healthcare excellence and affordable treatment.
“AIIMS is no longer just chasing international benchmarks; it is establishing them,” the Vice President said.
He noted that AIIMS has become synonymous with trust and integrity not only across India but also in the South-East Asian region.
Highlighting the institute’s achievements, the Vice President referred to AIIMS conducting a remote robotic ultrasound in Antarctica earlier this year and expanding collaborations such as the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health.
He also pointed out that AIIMS climbed 40 places in the QS World Rankings in two years to reach 105th globally.
The institute has also retained the top position in the NIRF medical rankings continuously from 2018 to 2025.
Praise for Faculty and Expansion of AIIMS
The Vice President commended Union Health Minister JP Nadda, AIIMS Director Nikhil Tandon and faculty members for maintaining academic excellence while managing massive patient loads.
He said AIIMS alumni continue to occupy leading positions in medical institutions globally.
Radhakrishnan highlighted that several faculty members had received Padma awards over the years, including Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri honours.
He also noted that 57 faculty members are listed among Stanford University’s top 2 per cent scientists globally.
‘One Nation, One Health’ Vision
The Vice President said India’s healthcare system is undergoing transformation under the vision of “One Nation, One Health”.
He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for expanding AIIMS institutions and strengthening healthcare access in underserved regions.
Addressing students, he said the white coat symbolised responsibility beyond personal achievement and urged them to serve society with humility and commitment.
“You are entering the profession at a defining moment for Indian healthcare,” he told graduates.
