The 42nd annual convocation of Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology was held in Keralam capital Thiruvananthapuram, today. A total of 130 senior residents and students received degrees and diplomas during the ceremony. Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh delivered a video message at the event. He said the institute has made significant contributions to the development of world-class, indigenous and cost-effective medical devices.

The newly developed Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana block at the institute would further strengthen its neurosurgery and cardiac sciences departments, the minister added. He also said that the institute provides treatment to thousands of patients under the Ayushman Bharat initiative. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava delivered the convocation address. Appreciating the institute’s contributions to healthcare research and innovation, she said the Ayushman Bharat initiative of the Government aims to ensure healthier and longer lives for all citizens. She also emphasized that strengthening primary healthcare remains a key focus of the National Health Policy.