Imphal, Dec 18 (NationPress) The Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, stated on Thursday that the foundation of medical education must be rooted in compassion, strong ethical principles, and an unwavering commitment to community service. He highlighted the crucial role that doctors play in society, extending their responsibilities beyond mere clinical duties.

During the 18th Annual Foundation Day celebration of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal, the Governor remarked that this event serves as a dual purpose: a time for celebration and a moment for introspection.

He acknowledged that in the past eighteen years, JNIMS has emerged as a premier institution for medical education and tertiary healthcare in Manipur.

Bhalla pointed out the institute’s essential contribution to enhancing the healthcare system in the state by training competent professionals and offering advanced treatment options locally. He reiterated the importance of grounding medical education in compassion, ethical standards, and community engagement.

The Governor noted that the responsibilities of a medical institution go beyond hospitals and classrooms; they include research, innovation, preventive healthcare, and public outreach.

He expressed his approval of JNIMS’ involvement in various national and state health initiatives, urging the institute to bolster its research activities, embrace new technologies, and align more closely with national health objectives. He confidently predicted that the institute would reach new heights of excellence in the coming years.

Bhalla praised JNIMS for its eighteen years of devoted service in promoting medical education and providing quality healthcare in the region.

The event underscored JNIMS’ ongoing progress in strengthening tertiary healthcare services and its persistent pursuit of excellence among leading medical institutions. During the program, the Governor also released the 18th Annual Report and the college magazine titled ‘Nongin’.

Sumant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health and Family Welfare), mentioned that JNIMS’ role has been enhanced through collaborations with significant initiatives from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

These initiatives encompass the creation of a Multi-Disciplinary Research Unit, region-specific cancer research under the Department of Health Research, a Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory network through the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a State Referral Laboratory for Rabies as part of the National Rabies Control Programme, and a 50-bedded Critical Care Block under the National Health Mission (NHM).

The Governor, alongside the Commissioner and the Director, awarded meritorious students from the institute.

The program was attended by faculty members, doctors, nurses, students, and staff of JNIMS, along with a host of esteemed guests.