SPEECH OF HONURABLE GOVERNOR OF PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT, CHANDIGARH SHRI BANWARI LAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF 8TH CONVOCATION FUNCTION OF GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE & HOSPITAL, CHANDIGARH AT CHANDIGARH ON MAY 11, 2023

It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to address the graduands on the occasion of 8th Convocation of this esteemed Government Medical College.
Congratulations on this momentous occasion – the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of medical knowledge and excellence.
Today marks a significant milestone in your lives – a day that symbolizes both an end and a new beginning. 
As you stand on the threshold of your medical careers, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey that has led you to this very moment.
When you embarked on this path, you knew that the road ahead would be demanding. It required countless hours of study, sleepless nights, and sacrifices that few can truly comprehend. But you persevered. You overcame the challenges, faced the tests and examinations, and honed your skills to become the medical professionals you are today.
Your time in medical college has not been just about acquiring knowledge. It has been about developing a holistic understanding of medicine – an understanding that extends beyond the textbooks and classrooms. It is about embracing empathy, compassion, and the ethical responsibility that comes with being a healthcare provider. Your education has equipped you not only with the scientific knowledge to heal the body but also with the ability to care for the mind and soul of your patients.
In the years to come, you will be faced with a myriad of situations that will test your resolve, your knowledge, and your character. Medicine is a field that demands constant adaptation and lifelong learning. You will encounter cases that challenge you, patients who inspire you, and moments of triumph that reaffirm your decision to pursue this noble profession.
But amidst the triumphs, there will also be set backs and moments of doubt. It is during these times that I urge you to remember the passion that led you to this calling – the desire to make a difference in the lives of others. As medical professionals, you hold a unique position of trust, and it is your duty to uphold the highest standards of patient care, integrity and professionalism.
In an era of ever–advancing technology and breakthroughs, remember that the essence of medicine lies in the human connection. Treat each patient as an individual with unique needs, fears and hopes. Be a compassionate listener, an advocate, and a source of comfort in times of distress. Never forget the power of a smile, a kind word, or a gentle touch – they can bring solace to those who need it most.
As Dr. Donald M. Berwick rightly said, "Those who suffer need you to be something more than a doctor; they need you to be a healer. And, to become a healer, you must do something even more difficult than putting on your white coat. You must recover, embrace and treasure the shared, frail humanity and the dignity in each and every soul.”
Ladies & Gentlemen,
The health of a country’s population defines its state of development. 
A healthy population holds greater capacity to access opportunities for education, knowledge and employment.
The importance of health care has never been so well understood as it in the recent time. We saw how the pandemic brought economies and nations to their knees. 
Health is an individual’s most salient possession. It is a valuable asset irrespective of the strata one belongs to. Mahatma Gandhi had said and I quote: "It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver” (unquote). 
Friends,
I personally believe that our health coverage strategy has to look beyond medical cure and intervention. 
Preventive healthcare has to assume importance due to the increasing trend of lifestyle diseases. 
Our health system has to gear itself to treat people and also provide guidance about prevention of medical conditions. 
A ‘Healthy India’ is possible! For that, disease prevention, early detection and treatment have to be encouraged. 
A healthy living has to be fostered. Balanced diet, physical activity, lifestyle management and environment care have to be promoted to achieve well-being of mind and body.
For ushering in healthy behaviour and practices, efforts have to be directed at change, in both individuals and communities.
I am happy that as  a part of the Community service, the Medical College students are going to different villages of Chandigarh to educate the public about the various health aspects. 
Recently they have raised awareness about the prevention of heat strokes. This is a very good initiative.
However, a lot more needs to be done.  We are facing severe shortage of doctors in rural and semi urban areas. Another problem that our country faces is that of infectious diseases which leads to a lot of suffering and contributes to a huge number of deaths in our country. 
These include diseases like COVID-19, tuberculosis, malaria, dengue, chikungunya, hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, measles, chicken pox, Leprosy etc. 
Our Hon’ble Prime Minister is very keen to get these eradicated or controlled very quickly. Government of India recently recommended setting and strengthening up facilities for managing patient with infectious disease for proper and timely treatment.
The UT Administration has already approved setting up of an Advanced Centre for Infectious Diseases for GMCH. This will be a big asset to people of this region and will ensure readiness in case some pandemic comes calling again.
I am happy to note that GMCH is in the forefront of providing tertiary level care not only to the residents of Chandigarh but also to the population of surrounding states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand and Jammu & Kashmir. 
I am told that GMCH looks after about 7 Lakh patients per year in OPDs,  60 Thousand  patients are admitted in various wards and 1.5 Lakh patients are attended in the emergency. The increasing number of patients shows the faith the public has in the health and facilities provided by the institute.
Your Emergency block is fast nearing completion and will be commissioned by this year end. This will help in decongesting the overcrowd emergency of the institute.
A long pending project of Mother & Child Care Centre has also been taken up by Chandigarh Administration and is soon going to come up. This will go long away to provide quality services to the women folk and new born of the region.
I have also come to know that the Regional Trauma Centre is under the consideration. Chandigarh Administration will make all efforts to ensure that it sees light of the day to provide relief to the trauma patients of Chandigarh as well as nearby States.
My dear Doctors, 
Medical profession and piety have a deep connection. This occupation is a noble mixture of knowledge and compassion. It empowers you to lend a helping hand to the society at large; to touch and transform the lives of people.
Remember that patients do not visit hospitals on their own volition. They do so when circumstances require them to. They go with an unwavering belief in being remedied by the marvel of medical science. 
Curing the sick and healing the bed-ridden are considered God’s own work carried out through your hands. The society admires you for your selfless endeavours; it holds you in high esteem; and views you with lofty expectations. The faith people repose in you is sacrosanct  and has to be respected at all times. 
My dear Young Doctors,
As you venture forth into your respective specialities, remember that you are not alone. The medical community is a vast network of professionals who share the same dedication and commitment to improving the well-being of others. Embrace collaboration, seek mentorship, and continue to learn from your colleagues. In the face of challenges, remember to lean on each other for support, guidance, and camaraderie.
Today, as you receive your well deserved degrees, let it serve as a reminder of the immense responsibility that lies ahead. Embrace it with humility, respect, and the knowledge that you have been entrusted with the lives of others. Strive for excellence in all that you do, but Never Lose Sight of the Human Touch that sets medicine apart.
In closing, I want to express my sincerest congratulations to each and everyone of you. You have overcome countless obstacles, and your dedication and perseverance have brought you to this momentous day. As you embark on this noble journey, may you find fulfilment and boundless opportunities to make a positive impact on the world.
Remember, your education does not end here. It is merely the foundation upon which you will build your medical careers. So, go forth with passion and courage.
May hardwork be your companion and dedication to work be your hall mark!
May you achieve greater success in life and career! In the words of Mahatma Gandhi: Happiness depends on what you can give; not what you can get.
You are fortunate to have graduated from the college that is ranked 8th among the Government Medical Colleges of the country.
I am sure you would carry forward the legacy of your Institute, make your own name in the field of Medicine and make this institute proud.
I extend my best wishes and greetings to the Director Principal and faculty and the supporting staff who have taken painstaking efforts to organise this Convocation in a befitting manner.
Thank you,
Jai Hind.