Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan Urges Universities to Prioritize Medical Research

Vice-President Calls for Research Expansion in Medical Institutions

Speaking at the Ruby Jubilee celebrations of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences (Dr. NTRUHS) in Vijayawada on Monday, October 26, 2026, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan emphasized the need to shift institutional focus toward expanding medical research. Addressing an audience that included Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and State Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy, the Vice-President noted that the country currently has an adequate number of undergraduate and postgraduate medical students, making research expansion the logical next priority.

Mr. Radhakrishnan expressed a desire to see a future where a student from Dr. NTRUHS receives a Nobel Prize for medical research and encouraged students to dedicate their careers to addressing societal health challenges.

Institutional Milestones and Leadership Remarks

Established on November 1, 1986, under the leadership of then-Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao, Dr. NTRUHS holds the distinction of being the first university of health sciences in the country. During the Ruby Jubilee event held at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Kala Vedika, the Vice-President lauded the institution's 40-year history and acknowledged the historical contributions of Mr. Rama Rao to both cinema and public welfare.

Several dignitaries attended the event, including Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath, District Collector G. Lakshmisha, Dr. NTRUHS Vice-Chancellor P. Chandrasekhar, and National Medical Commission (NMC) Medical Assessment and Rating Board Director M.K. Ramesh, alongside various senior officials and medical professionals.

Announcements and Proposed Initiatives

During the celebrations, Dr. NTRUHS Vice-Chancellor P. Chandrasekhar outlined key financial and academic updates for the institution:

• Research Funding: Approximately ₹13 crore has been earmarked by the university to promote medical research and foster innovation across healthcare disciplines.
• New Curriculum: An innovative course in quantum biology is slated for introduction to support interdisciplinary learning and advanced scientific study.
• Academy Proposal: The Vice-Chancellor urged the State government to establish a dedicated medical academy focused on continuing professional education, advanced training, skill development, and research opportunities for practitioners throughout the State.

Additionally, NMC official M.K. Ramesh highlighted the importance of integrating technological advancements with compassion, ethical responsibility, and patient welfare, while advocating for innovative teaching methods and expanded research avenues.

Practical Implications and Verification

What Is Confirmed

• Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan delivered the keynote address at the Ruby Jubilee of Dr. NTRUHS in Vijayawada on October 26, 2026.
• Dr. NTRUHS was founded on November 1, 1986, as India's first health sciences university.
• Vice-Chancellor P. Chandrasekhar announced a ₹13 crore allocation for research and plans to introduce a course in quantum biology.

What Remains Unknown

• Specific timelines, curriculum details, and enrollment criteria for the proposed quantum biology course have not been fully detailed in the initial public announcements.
• A formal decision or timeline from the State government regarding the proposed dedicated medical academy was not disclosed in the source report.

How to Verify

Readers can review the original report and official statements regarding the event through [The Hindu's coverage of the Vice-President's visit](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/vice-president-calls-for-expansion-of-medical-research-in-universities/article71628367.ece).