Lauding the research activities at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer), Dr Sowmya Swaminathan, Director General of ICMR, today said that it will be become a Centre of Excellence in Research with the pace of ongoing research activities that is carrying out. 

Delivering the Eighth Convocation address of Jipmer, she stressed on the need for doctors to work with the community by understanding the local needs and treat patients accordingly with compassion. She highlighted the importance of collecting data and analyzing them and stressed the importance of research. Dr Sowmya emphasized on the need to work as a mixed group to promote health care and innovation and necessity to partner with other disciplines to develop and bring new ideas. Dr M K Bhan, President and Chancellor of Jipmer expressed the need to bring a change to the health system of India by developing new strategies. He added that the young graduates are highly motivated to change the health education system and work together with other non-physician health workers, developing a passion for innovation and develop leadership qualities. 

Dr S C Parija, Director Jipmer highlighted the notable achievements of the institute in last one year and delivered the welcome address. Dr. R.P. Swaminathan, Dean-Academics administered the Oath of Medical Practice to the Graduating doctors. 
In this year Convocation, a total of 360 Graduates and Post-Graduates from various Medical streams (Ph.D., M. Ch., D.M., Fellowship course, M.D., M.S., & MBBS) were eligible for award of their degrees. However, 313 students (In person 262 & In Absentia 51) received their degrees in the Convocation. Jipmer honoured the best students, interns and doctors of various streams who excelled in their academics by securing highest marks in the respective subjects, shined in socio-cultural activities and showed exemplary attitude and effort in the service to the patients.Endowment Medals to 47 undergraduates and 38 Post-Graduates was distributed.