Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has said, lack of adequate medical facilities in the rural areas and the shortage of doctors and para-medical personnel across the country is a challenge.

Addressing the convocation ceremony of Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi today, Mr Naidu said, country need large numbers of human resource in the health sector, whether it is a medical college or the paramedical staff.

He said, it is time for all public health experts, health care professionals, local bodies and communities to join hands in promoting hygiene and sanitation in a big way to build a Swachh Bharat.

The Vice President said, doctors are considered next to God in India and it is the responsibility of all those entering the medical profession to uphold the trust and confidence of the patients, who seek treatment.