305 Doctors Graduate: Ethics, AI, and Rural Health Focus

GITAM Deemed to be University recently hosted a significant graduation ceremony for 305 students from its medical and dental colleges. The event celebrated the achievements of graduates from MBBS, BDS, MD/MS, and MDS programs.

Speaking at the ceremony, chief guest Dr. C.N. Manjunath, a cardiologist and Member of Parliament, underscored the critical need for ethical practices, effective communication, and affordable treatments in healthcare. He reassured the new doctors that advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, would complement, not replace, their essential role in patient care and diagnosis.

Dr. Manjunath also commended the central government's welfare initiatives aimed at improving healthcare accessibility. These include increased medical college seats, the establishment of Ayushman Bharat generic medicine centers, reduced import duties on life-saving cancer drugs, and a nationwide HPV vaccination program for young girls. To further strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure, he suggested awarding extra marks in NEET-PG to aspirants committing to serve in villages post-MBBS.

GITAM president M. Sribharath emphasized the irreplaceable value of emotional connection with patients, noting that even advanced surgical techniques cannot substitute a skilled surgeon's expertise. He encouraged the graduates to address rising healthcare costs and to rebuild public trust through dedicated service.

Details about the graduating batches were shared by GIMSR principal Dr. G. Sambasiva Rao, highlighting the implementation of a competency-based medical education curriculum and student success in research grants. The ceremony concluded with congratulations from various university dignitaries, celebrating the commencement of these new medical professionals' careers.