VP Radhakrishnan calls for greater medical research investment at NTR University jubilee
Synopsis
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan used the 40th anniversary of NTR University of Health Sciences to call for bolder investment in medical research and technology-driven healthcare — while also urging doctors to spearhead the fight against drug abuse. The remarks, made during a two-day Andhra Pradesh visit, come alongside his earlier push for cooperative federalism and legal modernisation ahead of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Key Takeaways
Radhakrishnan addressed the Ruby Jubilee of Dr NTR University of Health Sciences in Vijayawada on 26 October 2026 .
He called for greater investment in medical research and innovation , emphasising that technology must serve humanity and compassion must anchor healthcare.
Radhakrishnan urged doctors to lead the campaign against drug abuse and help build a drug-free society.
His two-day Andhra Pradesh visit includes prayers at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Tirupati and Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Tiruchanur .
Earlier in New Delhi , he inaugurated a conference on cooperative federalism and law reforms, calling for Centre-state coordination for Viksit Bharat @ 2047 .
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Monday, 26 October 2026, called for greater investment in medical research and innovation to address pressing healthcare challenges, emphasising the role of emerging technologies in transforming the sector. He made the remarks while addressing the Ruby Jubilee celebrations of Dr NTR University of Health Sciences in Vijayawada.
Key Developments at NTR University Address
Speaking at the milestone event marking 40 years of the health sciences university, Radhakrishnan underlined that technology must ultimately serve humanity and that compassion must remain at the core of healthcare delivery. He also urged medical professionals to take a leading role in combating drug abuse and contribute to building a drug-free society.
VP's Two-Day Andhra Pradesh Visit
The address was part of a two-day visit to Andhra Pradesh that the Vice President commenced on Monday. His itinerary includes offering prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirupati and the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple in Tiruchanur, according to an official statement. Before arriving in Vijayawada, Radhakrishnan greeted citizens on the occasion of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti.
In a post on X, the Vice President wrote: The Ramayana, composed by the Adi Kavi Maharishi Valmiki, is an invaluable heritage of Indian culture and civilizational values. The ideals of truth, duty, sacrifice, compassion, and righteousness enshrined in it continue to guide humanity even today. His teachings will forever inspire us to imbibe moral values and to build a harmonious, sensitive, and empowered society.
Earlier Remarks on Federalism and Legal Reform
Prior to his Andhra Pradesh visit, Radhakrishnan had inaugurated a conference in New Delhi on Co-operative Federalism and Law Reforms: National and State Perspectives.
He stressed the need to modernise India's legal framework in line with the Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision and invoked the spirit of Team India
— calling for greater consultation, coordination, and shared responsibility between the Centre and the states.
Radhakrishnan noted that political differences should never impede collaborative work in the larger public interest, and highlighted the importance of both cooperative and competitive federalism under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Significance for Healthcare Policy
The Vice President's emphasis on medical research investment comes as India continues to navigate post-pandemic healthcare reform, with institutions like NTR University of Health Sciences playing a central role in training the country's medical workforce. His call to doctors to lead the anti-drug-abuse charge reflects a broader governmental concern over rising substance dependency, particularly among youth. The remarks are likely to inform upcoming health policy discussions at both the Centre and state levels.
Point of View
Even as the country aspires to become a global healthcare hub. Urging doctors to fight drug abuse is a worthy call, but institutional frameworks — not speeches — ultimately determine outcomes. His federalism remarks in Delhi are more substantive: the Centre-state tension over health spending is one of the most consequential and underreported fault lines in Indian policy. Whether these vice-presidential interventions translate into actionable reform or remain ceremonial encouragement is the real question.
NationPress
26 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did VP Radhakrishnan say at NTR University of Health Sciences?
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan called for greater investment in medical research and innovation at the Ruby Jubilee celebrations of Dr NTR University of Health Sciences in Vijayawada on 26 October 2026. He stressed that technology must serve humanity, compassion must remain central to healthcare, and urged doctors to lead efforts against drug abuse.
What is the Ruby Jubilee of NTR University of Health Sciences?
The Ruby Jubilee marks 40 years since the establishment of Dr NTR University of Health Sciences, one of Andhra Pradesh's premier medical education institutions. The celebrations brought together senior dignitaries including the Vice President to reflect on the university's contributions to healthcare training.
What is the purpose of VP Radhakrishnan's Andhra Pradesh visit?
The Vice President began a two-day visit to Andhra Pradesh on 26 October 2026, which includes addressing the NTR University jubilee in Vijayawada and offering prayers at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirupati and Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple in Tiruchanur, according to an official statement.
What did Radhakrishnan say about cooperative federalism?
Before his Andhra Pradesh visit, Radhakrishnan inaugurated a conference on cooperative federalism and law reforms in New Delhi, calling for greater consultation and shared responsibility between the Centre and states. He said political differences must never obstruct collaborative work in the larger public interest and linked the vision to Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
What did VP Radhakrishnan post on X about Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti?
In a post on X, Radhakrishnan described the Ramayana as 'an invaluable heritage of Indian culture and civilizational values,' saying the ideals of truth, duty, sacrifice, compassion, and righteousness it enshrines continue to guide humanity. He added that Maharishi Valmiki's teachings would forever inspire people to build a harmonious and empowered society.
