Focus on working in rural areas: CM for medical graduates

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday at the annual convocation of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences at Dr. International Convention Centre. Babu Rajendra Prasad at GKVK campus in Bengaluru. | Photo credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J.

“India is now at the crossroads of social and technological transformation. It has achieved cutting-edge innovations in medical education and healthcare. You should not only focus on providing health services in urban areas but also on providing health services in rural areas,” Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said after awarding degrees to medical and nursing students at the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Science Congress in Bengal on Tuesday. Gandhi University.

Mr. Shivakumar added, “By working in rural areas, health workers can prevent rural people from coming to urban areas to seek medical treatment.” Karnataka has the highest number of medical colleges in the country. It produces 72,000 health science graduates annually, of which 13,940 are doctors.

“This is the first convocation that I have attended after taking up the position of chief minister. I am a farmer by origin, an entrepreneur by profession, a volunteer teacher and an interest in politics. That is why I care very much about the development of education, especially medical education,” he said.

Meanwhile, Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil has announced the establishment of a cancer hospital, medical college and trauma care center in each district.

He said, “The government is working to set up government medical colleges, cancer hospitals and trauma care centers in every district of the state. The government aims to ensure that the common people of Karnataka get good, quality and affordable health services in their own state,” he said.

Nailady Sridhar Shetty, former president of the Dental Council of India, Harshangi Veerabhadrappa, a renowned paediatrician, and AC Shanmugam, founder-chancellor of Rajarajeshwari Medical College and Hospital, received honorary doctorates in recognition of their outstanding services in the field of education, health and social services.

A total of 103 students were awarded gold medals for best marks in various disciplines. More than 72,000 degrees awarded.

Governor and Chancellor Thawar Chand Gehlot, Vice Chancellor, Bhagavan BC and others were present.

Published – 16 Jun 2026 21:24 IST