Vice-President calls for expansion of medical research in Universities

The country has an adequate number of undergraduate and postgraduate medical students, and the universities should now focus on expanding research, said Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan.

Attending as the chief guest at the Ruby Jubilee celebrations of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences (Dr. NTRUHS) at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Kala Vedika in Vijayawada on Monday (October 26, 2026), Mr. Radhakrishnan said that he wished to see a day when a student from Dr. NTRUHS wins a Nobel Prize for their work in research. He encouraged students to dedicate their lives to finding solutions to health issues that plague society.

The university, established on November 1, 1986, under the leadership of the then Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao, was the first university of health sciences in the country.

Earlier, Mr. Radhakrishnan lauded the success story of the university, and said 40 years is a significant milestone in the history of an institution. The Vice-President also recalled the contributions of Mr. Rama Rao to cinema and socioeconomic development, and credited him for bringing a solution to the drinking water woes of the people of Chennai.

Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Information and Public Relations and Housing Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy, Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath, District Collector G. Lakshmisha, and Dr. NTRUHS Vice-Chancellor P. Chandrasekhar and other senior officials, eminent medical professionals, and academicians were among those who attended the celebrations.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Chandrasekhar stated that the university had earmarked approximately ₹13 crore to promote medical research and encourage innovation across healthcare disciplines. He announced that the university would soon introduce an innovative course in quantum biology, aimed at expanding opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and advanced scientific research.

Later, the Vice-Chancellor urged the State government to establish a dedicated medical academy to provide continuing professional education, advanced training, skill development, and research opportunities for doctors across the State.

National Medical Commission (NMC) Medical Assessment and Rating Board Director M.K. Ramesh also called for introduction of innovative teaching methods and expansion of opportunities for research and skill development. He said medical education must combine technological advancements with compassion, ethical responsibility and a strong commitment to patient welfare.