While noting that medical education had become costly, she said, "Do not be in a hurry to recover the costs in the shortest possible time," and asked doctors to work in rural areas to facilitate "affordable, quality and accessible" medical service to rural population.
Patil, who was speaking at convocation ceremony of D Y Patil deemed university at Pimpri, near here last night, further said that the stint in rural areas would also help doctors in enhancing their professional skills.
She said patients put a lot of faith in doctors and medical fraternity should live up to that trust.
Deputy chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia and former Union Minister Mohan Dharia were conferred honorary D Litt on the occasion.
