BENGALURU, 6 May

Medical graduates must place service, empathy, and equitable healthcare at the heart of their practice, said Karnataka Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil at the 27th convocation of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) on Tuesday.

Addressing the graduating students, Patil called them “guardians of public health” and urged them to treat all patients with dignity and understanding, regardless of background or location. “Your knowledge should bridge disparities. Every patient deserves respect, not just treatment,” he said.

He stressed the importance of ethics and cultural sensitivity, particularly in an era where technology is rapidly transforming the medical field. Highlighting the complexity of India’s healthcare challenges, especially in rural and underserved areas, the minister encouraged the graduates to act as “health messengers” who uphold public well-being.

“A healthy society depends on your dedication and compassion,” he added, urging the new professionals to ensure that healthcare reaches every corner of the country.

The convocation was attended by Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, Azim Premji, Chairman of the Azim Premji Foundation, and RGUHS Vice-Chancellor Dr Bhagavan. The university also honoured outstanding contributions by deans including Professor Hombe Gowda Sharath Chandra, Dr Girish Rao, and Dr GT Subhash.