The veteran cardiologist was felicitated at the PM’s official residence – 7, Race Course Road.

Commenting on the successful tenure of the cardiologist, which ended on July 2, the PM said, “Under the able guidance and directorship of Dr Venugopal, the AIIMS had prospered and did yeoman service to the poor and the needy of the country.”

The PM said he himself had received the best treatment whenever he was not well.

Senior doctors from the Escorts Heart Institute and Apollo Hospitals along with Minister of State Prithviraj Chauhan, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman MS Ahuwalia, PMO officials, and 20 senior doctors from AIIMS were present at the felicitation ceremony.

“When you have worked in this institute for 50 years, you would want to implement and carry forward your commitment to what the institute has taught you. Education, research, patient care – these are the three fundamental things that the country requires. I don’t know where I’ll go but will continue to carry forward the ideals of AIIMS,” Venugopal had told the Indian Express the day he relinquished office.

During the last few months he has been approached by various hospitals both here and abroad, but the veteran is still to decide.