Bengaluru, June 16: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar appealed to newly graduated medical professionals on Tuesday to extend their services beyond urban areas.
Speaking at the 28th annual convocation of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences held at the GKVK campus, he stated, “India is undergoing significant social and technological changes. While there has been remarkable progress in medical education and health services, these must also reach rural areas. By serving in villages and small towns, you can prevent people from migrating to cities for treatment.”
The Chief Minister urged doctors to maintain the trust placed in them by society, emphasizing their crucial role in people’s lives. He noted that individuals turn to doctors during their most challenging times, and thus, medical professionals should uphold this trust through dedicated service.
He acknowledged that the medical profession is filled with continuous challenges and fierce competition. Referencing his international experiences, he highlighted that Karnataka’s doctors, particularly Indian doctors, serve in many prestigious hospitals worldwide.
“The quality of medical education and health professionals in Karnataka is unmatched. The talent, dedication, and professional standards of our doctors are recognized globally,” he remarked.
He stressed the importance of equal access to health services and encouraged new graduates not to confine themselves to urban areas. The Chief Minister also supported the campaign for a drug-free India, Karnataka, and educational campuses. He praised Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil for establishing a new level of discipline and commitment within the department.
“The strength of a university lies not in the number of students or degrees but in the quality of its faculty,” he stated. He added that teachers should guide and inspire students while promoting research and innovation. The Karnataka government is committed to providing every possible support to universities.
In what he described as his first address since becoming Chief Minister, he shared his life journey. “I was born into a farming family, became an entrepreneur, chose the field of education, and entered politics due to my interests,” he said.
He noted that the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences is one of the largest health science universities in the country, with 1,044 affiliated colleges and millions of students studying under it.
The Chief Minister mentioned that Karnataka produces approximately 72,000 health graduates each year, including 13,940 doctors, making the state a significant contributor to the global health workforce.
“Karnataka has become a hub of talent not only in the IT sector but also in healthcare. The state has 72 medical colleges, more than any other state in India. Bengaluru is home to around 2.6 million IT professionals and has become a center for global innovation,” he added.
He described the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences as a strong pillar of Karnataka’s health infrastructure and recalled the vision of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, after whom the university is named.
“Rajiv Gandhi believed that education is a powerful tool for social equality. Over the past three decades, this university has produced nearly eight lakh graduates, aiming to provide health services to every segment of society,” he said.
Sharing his personal experiences, the Chief Minister mentioned that he was unable to complete his degree in his youth due to his early entry into politics. He completed his degree from Mysore University at the age of 47 in 2008.
“Today, I have the opportunity to serve all of you. History repeats itself. You have graduated today, and a bright future lies ahead. The world is looking at us,” he concluded.
He encouraged the youth to pursue their goals with honesty and determination to achieve great success in life.
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