Aligarh: The newly admitted 190 MBBS and BDS students of Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College and Dr. ZA Dental College, Aligarh Muslim University wore the Hippocratic flag during a grand white coat ceremony and took the famous Hippocratic Oath for dedicated and selfless treatment of patients.

Addressing the occasion, the chief guest, AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof Mohammad Gulrez said that the medical profession is the most revered profession in the world and it brings the responsibility on a doctor to treat their patients with profound care and sympathy.

He said that even today the number of doctors in the country is much less in proportion to the population and the lack of resources for basic equipment in health facilities further aggravates the situation. In this scenario, it is a matter of pride for us that we have a good number of MBBS and BDS seats in our university and we are entrusted with a responsibility to produce good doctors. He hoped that AMU medical professionals would serve the patients with utmost care and dedication and bring laurels to the JN Medical College and the university.

The guest of honour, Dr B. Srinivas, Deputy Director General, Directorate of General Health Services, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, said that the medical profession is perhaps the most sought-after profession in the country and the number of students appearing for the medical entrance is tremendously growing every year. About 22 lakh students have appeared in the NEET this year alone, he added.

Prof. Veena Maheshwari, Dean, the Faculty of Medicine, said that the white coat is a symbol of respect and that medical students need to behave with their patients with utmost politeness and affection while maintaining personal dignity. She said patients come to the hospital in pain and the affectionate behaviour and soft language of a doctor help reduce their pain faster along with proper treatment.

Prof Haris M Khan, Principal and CMS, JN Medical College said that JNMC is one of the busiest hospitals in the country and every year lakhs of patients come for treatment. He said that the students get a chance to learn a lot from their seniors and patients, besides teachers.

Prof. RK Tiwari, Principal, Dr ZA Dental College said that the medical students need to work harder as they also have the responsibility to serve the patients besides keeping with their studies.

Prof Seema Hakim, Coordinator, the Medical Education Unit highlighted the programmes organized by the unit for the students.

The handbooks for the MBBS and BDS, edited by Prof. M. Athar Ansari and Dr. Saba Khan, respectively, were released by the guests.

Prof. Farha Ghaus extended a vote of thanks. Dr. Bushra Siddiqui and Dr. Roohi Khan conducted the programme.