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Medicine is a blend of compassion, science and service: UP Governor

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 19:02 GMT by ThePrint
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Fetching content…Medicine Is a Blend of Compassion, Science and Service – UP Governor Says

In a stirring address delivered at the opening of a statewide medical conference in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel underscored the multifaceted nature of medicine, calling it “a blend of compassion, science and service.” The governor’s remarks, which were echoed by health ministers, senior medical professionals, and student representatives, aimed to re‑ignite a sense of purpose among those working in health care and to highlight the state’s commitments to improving health outcomes.

A Triad of Values

Patel began by acknowledging the long history of medical practice in India, from the ancient humoral theories of Ayurveda to contemporary evidence‑based medicine. She emphasized that the profession is sustained not just by technical expertise but by a moral obligation to care for the vulnerable. “A doctor’s first duty is to listen, to empathise, and to comfort,” she said. “The scientific rigour of diagnostics and therapeutics is only meaningful if it is guided by compassion.”

The governor pointed out that the tripartite model—compassion, science, service—provides a holistic framework for training medical students and guiding policy decisions. “When we invest in research institutes, we must also fund community outreach programs,” she urged. “Science is a tool; service is the goal.”

Strengthening Health Infrastructure

The address came at a time when Uttar Pradesh’s health system has been grappling with under‑funding and uneven distribution of resources. Patel highlighted the government’s recent initiative to upgrade 150 primary health centres (PHCs) with tele‑medicine facilities and to equip 20 district hospitals with cardiac catheterisation labs. She also referenced the “Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana” (PMSSY) scheme that has earmarked ₹10,000 crore for free treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

“Infrastructure is only half the battle,” Patel said. “We must also recruit and retain qualified clinicians, especially in rural and remote areas. To that end, the state will launch a scholarship programme for medical students who commit to serve in underserved districts for at least five years.”

Encouraging Medical Education and Research

The governor praised the performance of the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, one of the largest eye hospitals in Asia, for its pioneering work in retinal laser therapies. She noted that the Centre has produced more than 50,000 patients a year and has a research arm that publishes on innovative drug delivery systems. Patel called for similar models across other specialties, urging universities to foster interdisciplinary research that bridges basic science with clinical applications.

She cited the “UP Medical Council” (UPMC) – a statutory body that sets standards for medical curricula and accreditation – as a platform for collaboration. “The UPMC should integrate ethical training into the curriculum, ensuring that future doctors are not only skilled clinicians but also socially responsible practitioners,” she asserted.

Addressing Workforce Shortages

One of the key concerns raised was the chronic shortage of health professionals. Patel referenced a study by the National Health Mission (NHM) which highlighted a shortfall of 23,000 doctors in Uttar Pradesh alone. She urged state health officials to streamline the recruitment process and to provide competitive salaries and incentives. “We cannot afford to let our doctors choose other states or private practice over public service,” she warned.

In response, the Deputy Health Minister, Dr. Manju Batra, announced a new “Health Corps” program that would employ recently graduated nurses and paramedics as community health workers. The initiative aims to increase coverage in villages lacking a primary care physician.

Public‑Private Partnerships and Community Engagement

Patel also acknowledged the crucial role of the private sector in augmenting health care delivery. She highlighted the “Ayushman Bharat” national scheme, which has facilitated partnerships between hospitals and the government, resulting in cost‑effective treatment packages. She invited private hospitals to expand their services in rural zones, provided that they adhere to the pricing guidelines set by the UPMC.

The governor also spoke about the “Village Health and Sanitation” (VHS) program, urging local panchayats to take a more active role in health promotion. “Health is not just about hospitals; it’s about sanitation, nutrition, and education,” Patel said. She urged the state to align its health budget with the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s “Asha” program, which trains female health volunteers to act as liaisons between the community and the health system.

Youth Engagement and Future Outlook

Towards the end of her speech, Patel addressed a gathering of medical students and interns. She encouraged them to embrace lifelong learning and to stay curious about emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and genomic medicine. “The future of medicine lies in integrating traditional knowledge with modern science,” she said. “You are the bridge between the past and the future.”

In closing, the governor reiterated her call for a unified vision: “Medicine is a profession of love and intellect. It must be accessible, affordable, and ethically sound.” She promised continued government support for health initiatives and called on all stakeholders to “work hand in hand to make Uttar Pradesh a model of health care excellence.”

Impact and Reactions

The address was well received across the political spectrum. The opposition leader in the state assembly, Ramesh Prabhu, praised the governor for her inclusive vision. “We must all work towards the same goal— a healthier population,” he said. On social media, the hashtag #UPHealth2024 trended, with many students and healthcare workers expressing gratitude for the governor’s emphasis on compassionate care.

While the speech focused on immediate reforms, the long‑term success of the initiatives will depend on sustained funding, political will, and community participation. The governor’s words have already sparked renewed interest among policy makers, and several private‑sector partners have signalled their intent to collaborate on new health projects.

In a country where health disparities persist across urban–rural divides, the governor’s reminder that medicine is a blend of compassion, science and service serves as a timely call for a holistic, human‑centred approach to healthcare in Uttar Pradesh.