Governor of Telangana Jishnu Dev Varma on Sunday said that a doctor is equal to God, observing that while God gives life, it is doctors who save lives.

He stressed that health is the greatest wealth and should always be given priority over material prosperity.

The Governor was speaking as the chief guest at a unique doctors’ conference organised by Arogya Bharati at the GSR Convention on Sagar Road near LB Nagar.

The conference was held as part of the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Arogya Bharati State President Ram Singh presided over the programme.

In his address, the Governor urged people to take preventive care seriously, noting that no wealth is greater than good health.

He advised that yoga should become an integral part of daily life, alongside mindful eating habits and regular physical exercise, warning that a lack of exercise makes the body prone to diseases.

He said the ideal lifestyle was one that reduces dependence on doctors, while emphasising that doctors should always serve patients with a spirit of dedication and compassion.

Earlier, special prayers were performed to the portraits of Bharat Mata and Dhanvantari, the god of medicine.

The Governor also visited and observed various health-related stalls set up by Arogya Bharati at the venue.

The event was attended by RSS regional Pracharak for Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Bharat Ji, Telangana regional Pracharak Lingam Sridhar Ji, RSS regional Sangh Chalak Sundar Reddy, Arogya Bharati national leaders Sunil Joshi and Muralikrishna, regional organising secretary Kumaraswamy, VHP publicity chief Pagadakula Balaswamy, MP Etela Rajender, Sirpur MLA Harish Babu, and around 600 doctors from various districts of the state.