Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel along with HRD Minister N. Lokesh and university authorities present a certificate to a student during the second convocation ceremony of AIIMS, Mangalagiri, on Tuesday. | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that can transform disease surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and healthcare delivery, acting as an auxiliary force that empowers doctors, not replaces them, said Minister of State for Health and Social Care Anupriya Patel.
Ms. Anupriya Patel, who attended the second convocation ceremony of AIIMS, Mangalagiri, on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) said that when technology is aligned with public purpose, it can expand access, improve efficiency and save lives.
She told the students that convocation is not the end of learning, but the beginning of a lifelong journey of continuous growth, discovery and service to humanity.
Later, Minister for Human Resources and Development N. Lokesh, who attended the event as the guest of honour, recalled the growth of the institute from a humble beginning in 2015 to a comprehensive tertiary care institution with nearly 650 functional beds, more than 1,300 students and advanced services including open heart surgery, kidney transplant, robotic knee replacement and advanced cacology facilities.
Paying tribute to the selfless service of doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said that while technology and artificial intelligence will continue to advance healthcare, the healing power of human touch, empathy and humility remains irreplaceable.
Degrees were conferred on 49 MBBS students, five post-graduate students and four PDCC graduates during the ceremony. Executive Director and CEO Ahanthem Santa Singh presented the project report of the institute which outlined the progress made in academia, patient care, infrastructure expansion, research and super specialty services. He congratulated the graduates on the successful completion of rigorous training.
Published – 17 Feb 2026 23:31 IST