Dehradun, April 24 -- Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Thursday said healthcare is a public trust and medical professionals have a vital role to play in nation-building, urging graduating doctors to serve society with empathy, integrity and commitment. Addressing the sixth convocation ceremony of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rishikesh, the vice president described the convocation as a "defining moment of transition, reflection and responsibility for students completing their medical education". Highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of Rishikesh as a global centre of reflection and healing and a gateway to the Himalayas, Radhakrishnan said the setting added deeper meaning to the solemnity of the convocation ceremony. He said a "convocation marks not only the culmination of years of disciplined effort and sacrifice but also the beginning of greater responsibility towards society and the nation". The VP urged graduates to contribute through preventive care, rural outreach, research and innovation. Reflecting on the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Radhakrishnan said India demonstrated resilience, innovation and commitment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that more than 1.4 billion citizens received free vaccines during the nationwide vaccination drive, ensuring equitable access to healthcare. The VP also highlighted India's global outreach through the "Vaccine Maitri" initiative, under which vaccines were supplied to more than 100 countries, reflecting the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam". Speaking on healthcare infrastructure, he said the establishment of new AIIMS institutions across the country over the past decade has strengthened access to quality healthcare and medical education, particularly in underserved regions. Praising All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh, he said the "institute has emerged as a model of excellence by integrating clinical care, academic strength, research, innovation and social commitment". He also appreciated the institute's telemedicine initiatives, noting that healthcare must reach remote and underserved populations beyond hospital campuses. Radhakrishnan further lauded innovative healthcare interventions such as helicopter emergency medical services and the use of drones for delivering medicines during the Char Dham Yatra and in remote areas....