From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Jun 21: Health and medical education minister, Dr K Sudhakar firmly asserted that he "will not allow any underserving candidate to become vice-chancellor" of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) following Governor Vajubhai Vala’s decision to appoint Dr S M Jayakara, principal of AECS Maruti College of Dental Sciences, as in-charge vice-chancellor.
Speaking to reporters, Dr Sudhakar disclosed that he has already written to the Governor, who is also the chancellor, regarding the appointment of the interim vice-chancellor and had sought a meeting to discuss the issue.
"The matter would have been discussed with the Governor, but due to Covid, it could not be done. I have written to the Governor regarding this. Will discuss this issue in person after getting his appointment,’’ Dr Sudhakar said.
The minister also mentioned that the matter is discussed with chief minister B S Yediyurappa and the suggestions given by the chief minister will also be brought to the notice of the Governor.
"RGUHS is India's largest and prestigious health sciences university. Our government is very clear that a person with eminence, excellent reputation and track record should be appointed as VC of this University. Any person leading such a University should have the credibility that is behind doubt. No person with poor track record or allegations can occupy that chair, at least as long as I am the minister,’’ Dr Sudhakar asserted.
The 25-year-old RGUHS is the largest health university in the country with over 2 lac students, he said.
More than 25 lac people have recovered from Covid in the state. As many as 1.70 crore doses of vaccine have been administered so far. Everyone will be vaccinated by this December end, he said.
Dr Sudhakar mentioned that "We are strengthening the pediatric department in all district hospitals to tackle the third wave. 1,763 medical officers have been recruited in record time. The rural area facing a shortage of doctors though there is a surge in the number of medical students. Because doctors opt for the urban area only. More doctors should come forward to serve in a rural area."
He also said instructions have been passed to conduct random tests at airports, railway stations and bus stands. People should adhere to the guidelines. Permission is not given for malls, cinema theatres to open. We will increase the testing as industries are permitted to operate with more people, said the Minister.
The health minister stressed that more research should be undertaken in Ayurveda to prevent the outbreak of diseases,
Speaking on the occasion of the valedictory ceremony of silver jubilee celebrations of RGUHS on Monday, the minister said like allopathy, more research is needed in Ayurveda also so that we have empirical evidence.
Every medical college should focus more on research work. It is necessary to develop the university into a world-class university, he said.
Oxford University has developed the Covid-19 vaccine. RGUHS should also be able to provide solutions to any kind of diseases similarly.
He said more than 28 lac people are losing their lives annually in poor countries due to non-communicable diseases. India is also facing this issue to a great extent. Ayurveda can provide a better solution for these kind of lifestyle diseases where prevention is the best solution, said the minister.