Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jan 17: Chief minister (CM) Siddaramaiah laid the foundation stone for the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) Regional Centre at Maryhill near the excise building on Friday, January 17.
During the ceremony, the CM unveiled the commemorative plaque for the RGUHS Regional Centre.
Addressing the gathering, CM Siddaramaiah stated, "I had announced this project in the 2024-2025 budget, which has now culminated in today’s foundation-laying ceremony. The regional centre will greatly benefit students and parents in the region by eliminating the need to travel to Bengaluru. Rajiv Gandhi University is among the largest institutions in Asia, and this development enhances its accessibility."
He further emphasized the importance of providing quality healthcare, especially for underprivileged communities. "Government hospitals should strive to match the standards of private hospitals. Despite Dakshina Kannada being an education and medical hub, it lacks a government medical college. We must establish one to help students from economically weaker backgrounds become doctors," he added.
Highlighting other government initiatives, the CM mentioned, "Two lac graduates have enrolled under the Yuva Nidhi scheme. I was shocked to learn that 5,000 patients are waiting for kidney transplants. The government will simplify organ donation procedures to address this issue."
The proposed regional centre, set to cost Rs 50 crore, will include modern facilities, and the CM urged quality in its construction.
Medical education minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil praised the initiative, stating, "This regional centre will reduce the need for students to travel to Bengaluru and will include a skill development centre. The government remains committed to improving the healthcare sector, enhancing hospitals, and providing quality education while prioritizing skill development."
Prominent attendees included Speaker U T Khader, district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, RGUHS pro-chancellor Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, MLA Dr Bharath Y Shetty, MLC Manjunath Bhandary, mayor Manoj Kumar, director of medical education Dr Sujatha Rathore, and vice chancellor RGUHS Dr M K Ramesh, among others.
The event was attended by around 1,500 students and healthcare professionals. Vice chancellor Dr M K Ramesh delivered the welcome address, while Chethan Shetty skilfully compered the programme.
About RGUHS
Established in 1996, the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in Bengaluru is one of the largest health sciences universities in Asia, encompassing over 1,200 affiliated institutions across Karnataka. The university focuses on innovation in medical education, research, and clinical practices in diverse disciplines, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and allied health sciences.
RGUHS has introduced several regional centres to cater to the needs of local students, faculty, and healthcare professionals. These centres are designed to decentralize operations, improve access to resources, and advance public health education.
The Mangaluru regional centre is poised to enhance healthcare education with state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs, research centres, and recreational amenities, setting new standards in the field.