'Technology no substitute for empathy to patients'
A press note said P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, in his keynote address, reflected on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence and robotic technology in modern medicine, while underscoring the enduring and irreplaceable essence of human empathy in clinical practice. He urged the students to embrace technology, yet remain rooted in the core values of care and compassion.
Presiding over the event, Nihar Ranjan Biswas, SBV Vice-Chancellor, emphasised the importance of lifelong learning, encouraging young medical professionals to continuously evolve with emerging medical advancements.
M. K. Rajagopalan, SBV Chancellor, hoped that the meritorious students would become the ambassadors of the institution's values and vision.
Presenting the annual report, Seetesh Ghose, Dean of MGMCRI, presented a comprehensive overview of the institution's strides in academics, research, clinical care, and community engagement.
Sowmya was presented the medal for the Best Outgoing Student with MVK Iyer Gold Medal, while Sabarish received the Best All-Rounder medal instituted in the name of 'Smt. Rukumaniammal', the press note said.
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P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, has underscored the critical role of nurses and paramedics in the healthcare system. Addressing the recent graduation ceremony at Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College, an affiliate institution of the University, the Vice-Chancellor told the graduating class of paramedics, nurses, physiotherapists, and allied health professionals that their role in the field of healthcare went beyond just supporting doctors. 'You are the backbone of the healthcare system. You are the first to respond in emergencies, the steady hand in recovery, and the kind voice in moments of fear. Whether it's a nurse offering comfort in a crowded hospital ward, a physiotherapist helping someone walk again after injury, or a lab technician ensuring accurate diagnoses — your work changes lives', Mr. Prakash Babu said. Recalling the vital roles of these health professionals in times of public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, he said: 'The world has finally begun to see what we have always known: that healthcare is not possible without paramedics and allied professionals. Dwelling on the theme of 'Viksit Bharat - 2047: Role of Paramedics in India', Mr. Babu said achieving the set goals required robust progress in various sectors, and healthcare stands as a cornerstone. Within the healthcare system, paramedics — including nursing staff, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), lab technicians, radiographers, and other allied health professionals — have a critical role in strengthening the healthcare delivery system, expanding accessibility and affordability and ensuring a continuum of care. The Vice-Chancellor also stressed the vital role of paramedics in emergency and disaster response, mass casualty management, crisis containment, propagation of digital health and telemedicine support and supporting preventive and primary care. Their mandate, which includes conducting awareness programmes, vaccination drives, screenings (BP, diabetes, malnutrition), and home visits, is key to reducing long-term national health costs and also reducing urban-rural health disparities, he said. According to the Vice-Chancellor, as India focuses on strengthening healthcare infrastructure — from metros to remote villages — the need for skilled, ethical, and compassionate paramedics has never been greater. 'You are entering a field where your degree is not just a qualification; it is a responsibility. A responsibility to serve with empathy, to uphold the dignity of life, and to continue learning every day', he said. The Vice-Chancellor also conferred degrees upon the graduating students. B. Ramachandiran, chairman, Radha Ramachandiran, Founder Trustee, Rajiv Krishna, Managing Director, Sree Venkateshwaraa Group of Institutions (SVGI), Moushmi Rajiv, Executive Director, SVGI, B. Vidhya Rangaraju, Chief Operating Officer, Malliga Kannan, Principal Indirani College of Nursing, C. Ananda Vayaravel Cassinadane, Dean, College of Paramedical Sciences and S. Jeyanthi, Principal, College of Physiotherapy were present.
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'Technology no substitute for empathy to patients'
Meritorious students across batches in academics, co-curricular, and extracurricular pursuits were felicitated at the Institute Day celebrations of the Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (MGMCRI) held recently. A press note said P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, in his keynote address, reflected on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence and robotic technology in modern medicine, while underscoring the enduring and irreplaceable essence of human empathy in clinical practice. He urged the students to embrace technology, yet remain rooted in the core values of care and compassion. Presiding over the event, Nihar Ranjan Biswas, SBV Vice-Chancellor, emphasised the importance of lifelong learning, encouraging young medical professionals to continuously evolve with emerging medical advancements. M. K. Rajagopalan, SBV Chancellor, hoped that the meritorious students would become the ambassadors of the institution's values and vision. Presenting the annual report, Seetesh Ghose, Dean of MGMCRI, presented a comprehensive overview of the institution's strides in academics, research, clinical care, and community engagement. Sowmya was presented the medal for the Best Outgoing Student with MVK Iyer Gold Medal, while Sabarish received the Best All-Rounder medal instituted in the name of 'Smt. Rukumaniammal', the press note said.
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190 students awarded degrees at PIMS convocation
A total of 147 undergraduate and 43 postgraduate students received degrees at the graduation day ceremony of the Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) held recently. A press note said the ceremony was held for undergraduate medical (2019 batch), and postgraduate MD/MS students (2021 batch). The chief guest, P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, distributed the certificates. Mr. Babu urged the students to serve the community with passion, and stressed the role of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare. Sujith S. received gold medal for the best outgoing student, and Sarah Catherine F. and Ragapriya S. for best all-rounder and best sportsperson respectively. The PIMS STS awards for research were presented to 13 UG students. Earlier, K. Jacob, Chairman, PIMS management committee, initiated proceedings. The Hippocratic Oath was administered to the UG students by Peter Manoharan C., Medical Superintendent. Report presented Renu G'Boy Varghese, Director-Principal, presented the annual report, highlighting the achievements in academia, research, and extra-curricular activities. Nishanth Rajan, Vice Principal (UG); P. Stalin, Vice Principal (PG and Research); Sujatha MP, Deputy Vice Principal (UG); Aparna Muraleedharan, Deputy Vice Principal (PG and Research); Nayyar lqbal, Medical Education Unit (MEU) coordinator; Sivaa R., deputy MEU coordinator, and George Thomas, General Manager, took part. The event was attended by administrators, faculty, staff, students, and parents.
