New Delhi, Jan 7 : Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Anbumani Ramadoss today exhorted new doctors to stay in the country, as the country is in great need of quality medical human resource.

Addressing the 36th Annual Convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, here, Dr Ramadoss told graduating doctors that they have been given quality education in the premier institute of the country, and therefore, are a valuable commodity in the light of huge shortfall of specialists in the country.

"The All India Institute of Medical Sciences have not only given you the knowledge, but also a robust framework of ethics and values, like earlier, my message to you is
-stay put in India," he said.

Dr R. K. Pachauri, the Chairperson of Nobel Prize winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and chief guest at the event, also echoed similar sentiments when he said "Action is here and tremendous spiritual and professional satisfaction is to be gained by working in India."

Dr Ramadoss announced that in the light of the growing demands on the institute, a second campus for AIIMS would be established soon.

"Talks are on for 300-acre land with the governments in NCR region. This will be a great boost to the facilities and research prospects in AIIMS," he added.

Dr Ramadoss said the institute is not just providing simple care, but also contributing to high end research, quality education and policy advice to the government for various issues, including the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).

Dwelling on the NRHM, Ramadoss recalled the progress made in the direction of the rural health infrastructure, ASHAs and the huge rise in institutional delivery and flexibility for the local bodies.

The Minister also announced that the National Urban Health Mission covering the urban slums would be launched by the end of this month or early next month.

"National School Health Programme will be screening the children all over the country for various health related issues," he said.

Dr. Ramadoss emphasized that the coming challenges will be created by life style issues and non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mental problems. In this light campaign against alcohol, tobacco, junk food and drugs will be taken up on a priority basis.

Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Naresh Dayal along with Director and other senior members of AIIMS were present on the occasion. (ANI)