Nagpur: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur, held its first-ever convocation ceremony at its Mihan campus, marking a historic moment for the institution here, on Saturday, March 29. Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, addressing the graduating students, emphasized the need for advanced research in genetic disorders, stem cell therapy, and age-related diseases to enhance medical treatment methodologies.

The event was attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, AIIMS Nagpur Chairman Dr. Anant Pandhare, and Executive Director Dr. Prashant Joshi. The Governor highlighted that AIIMS, which was once limited to Delhi, has now expanded to several states, including Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and Nagpur, due to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also informed that a shelter hall has been constructed at AIIMS Delhi to accommodate patients’ families and attendants.

Addressing the graduates, the Governor lauded them as pioneers in the institute’s history, being the first batch to graduate from AIIMS Nagpur. He urged them to continue their education, stay updated with medical research, and contribute to the advancement of healthcare.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stressed the need for AIIMS Nagpur to develop advanced treatments for conditions like thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, which are prevalent in the Vidarbha region. He also advocated for the inclusion of bone marrow transplant surgeries under Maharashtra government schemes to make them more affordable. Additionally, he highlighted the potential of private-public partnerships to boost investment in the healthcare sector.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the convocation through a video message, recalling how the state government allocated 200 acres of land in Mihan for AIIMS Nagpur in 2018. Over the past six years, the institute has played a crucial role in strengthening India’s healthcare sector.

121 MBBS & 24 Postgraduate Students Conferred Degrees:

The event commenced with an academic procession, followed by the presentation of the institutional report by AIIMS Nagpur Executive Director Dr. Prashant Joshi. He highlighted that AIIMS Nagpur has treated over 21 lakh patients from across the country through its Outpatient Department (OPD) and has performed 23,000 major surgeries so far. The institute currently operates 81 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds.

Dean of Academics Dr. Mrunal Phatak conducted the convocation proceedings. During the ceremony, Dr. Jigyasa Jindal from the 2018 batch was awarded the Dr. Sanjay Paithankar Gold Medal for securing the highest marks in the final professional examination, as well as for excelling in Community Medicine and Pediatrics. Dr. Abhijit secured the second rank, while Dr. Himanshu Gajbhiye stood third. Several students were also honored with gold medals and cash prizes for their outstanding academic performance in various subjects.

A total of 121 MBBS graduates and 24 postgraduate students received their degrees from AIIMS Nagpur Chairman Dr. Anant Pandhare. The convocation was attended by faculty members, officials, and a large number of students’ parents, making it a memorable occasion for the institution.