President Pranab Mukherjee has advised young graduating doctors to be proud of the skills instilled in them by the College to face challenges of the competitive world. Addressing the centenary convocation of Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi today, Mr Mukherjee asked them to be truthful, virtuous, compassionate and never deviate from their conviction. He further asked them to be learners, students, and innovators and researchers as they go forward in their profession. <br/><br/>The President termed doctors as the most important component of the society, who have a tremendous burden on them to provide healthcare to the needy. He asked them to focus on providing their services in the rural and far flung areas to strengthen the medical infrastructure in the country. The President said that centenary celebration is just not any occasion but an important milestone to reflect about the achievements and challenge. He said, Lady Hardinge who thought of providing medical education to Indian women a century ago left a permanent impression on the minds of people. <br/><br/>In his address Health Minister J P Nadda said, health for all is a national goal and a priority for the Government. He said, ensuring the highest standards of medical education is a top priority and AIIMS-like institutions in different parts of the country are being established to set standards of medical education and healthcare at par with the best institutions in the world. He said, existing premier medical colleges are also being upgraded with top class infrastructure and facilities and medical teachers will also be closely involved in policy planning, regulation and enforcement of standards in medical education. <br/><br/>The Health Minister stated that the Government has grand plans for redeveloping and modernizing Lady Hardinge Medical College, to make it comparable with the best institutions in the world. He added that the redevelopment plan with the super speciality block and other associated structures on completion will decongest the present campus and will be provided enhanced infrastructure for teaching and research and wholesome environment for patients. Mr Nadda urged the students not forget the larger purpose of always working to improve the health of the poor, the needy and the underprivileged and no patient should be denied treatment on account of being poor or belonging to lower strata of society.