Kalam wants strengthening of healthcare system

Former President A P J Abdul Kalam today sought strengthening of the country's healthcare system by use of technology and science so that public health goals can be achieved.
He also asked medical institutions to take a lead in promoting research for prevention, treatment and cure of liver diseases.
"Strengthening of health system by infusion of science and technology is the top most priority to achieve public health goals and no government or administration can do this.
"Medical institutions must take the lead in deciphering what is right for our people and in our condition," Kalam said in his convocation address on the fourth foundation day of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences.

Praising ILBS' contributions, he said that in just four years of its existence, it has excelled as a teaching, treating, diagnostic hospital and secured the status of a deemed university by the University Grants Commission.
Addressing the doctors, he said, "Can we aspire for a world without liver diseases. It is a big challenge. The director of ILBS told me that one of their research tasks is regeneration of liver...That means a new liver they can create and if it happens we may enter a new world and India may be the pioneer."

Director of ILBS S K Sarin urged people to donate organs saying "organ donation and pledging is worthwhile at any age".

He narrated the story of a 75-year-old woman who after her death gave life to three people with her organs --a 20-year-old girl who was in need of liver transplant and two of her kidneys to two recipients.
"So 75 is not old, 80 is not old...90 is not old. By donating your organs you are remembered after you are no more. Organ donation and pledging is worthwhile at any age," Sarin said.