Smt. K.K. Shylaja, Pro-Chancellor, Kerala University of Health
Sciences,
Prof. M.K.C. Nair, Vice Chancellor,
Dr. A. Nalinakshan, Pro-Vice Chancellor,
Deans of Faculties, Academicians,
Dear Teachers, Parents,
Dear Graduands,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram.
I am delighted to address you all at the 11th Convocation Ceremonyof the Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur.
Let me begin by congratulating all the young professionals who are receiving their degrees today. I also congratulate the toppers who were awarded in this function.As the first and the only medical university of the State, this institution has established a benchmark of quality in medical education in Kerala. Established in 2009 to streamline the medical education in the State, it has endeavored to ensure systematic instruction, training and research in Modern Medicine, Homeopathy and Indian Systems of Medicine. It is true that it had faced the limitations of being an affiliating university, but at the same time, this university could rely upon and utilize the expertise earned by its affiliated medical colleges, some of which are the oldest and best medical institutions in India.
I am aware that ten years is too short a period for a university to take off in terms of research and other academic accomplishments. However, the Kerala University of Health Sciencescould establish three schools – one in Fundamental Research in Ayurveda, another in Health Sciences Planning and the third in Family Studies in three locations in the State. I am happy that this university, which has also established eight centres of study, is on the path of progress with 305 affiliated colleges and over 85000 students and 138 courses.
Dear Graduands, I am informed that on the last ten convocations conducted by this university, over 61000 people have been awarded their degrees. This year, we have 5394 young medical professionals; it means, the joy and pride that radiate in today's function extend to that many number of families, for whom this day would remain unforgettable.
Long years of study and hard work find a fruitful culmination on this day. Some of you may be relieved from the ordeal of examinations, marks and grades. But, the completion of the course and the possession of a medical degree mark only the beginning of a new life. Let me assure you, the real tests are only beginning. Those tests may come from society in general, the professional scene or from the technical world. The real test of efficiency is in comfortably coping with the challenges that emerge from all these spheres and at the same time, remaining legally and ethically perfect.
The job of a doctor or a medical professional is among the most sought after careers in society. But, the majority of our medical aspirants are blissfully unaware of the challenging and tedious life of a doctor. Today, Kerala is a major supplier of doctors and nurses to the developed countries of the world.
I have been told that though over 10,000 doctors are working in Kerala, we are still running short of doctors in many of our public health outfits. It is true that the working atmosphere in the rural and government hospitals is not always to our liking, but let us not forget that those hospitals are the only hope to the majority of our people. Such hospitals provide a platform for translating your acquired knowledge into practice. The large number of ordinary patients whom you would serve in such places will be silently and indirectly sharpening your skills as a doctor or a medical professional.
Therefore, for a medical practitioner, a patient should appear not just as a customer, but as a cross section of the society we live in. A medical condition will not be just a disease, but a social issue that needs urgent medical and social intervention. This calls for a larger social vision on the part of a medical professional. If you develop this vision, you would automatically develop the attitude to respond to the complaints and angry reactions of patients with better understanding.
With modern science and medicine developing at an unpredictable speed, keeping pace with the new developments has become a major challenge. The range of ethical issues has also widened so much that every technological leap tends to have an ethical issue hidden behind it. Those in the medical profession have to be doubly cautious in dealing with situations that may pose legal or ethical issues. Updating one's medical skills as well as acquiring the knowledge about the legal obligations of medical practitioners, with the mindset of an eternal student is what each one of you should concentrate on.
The success of our Medical Professionals in updating their medical knowledge and skills was seen in the way we handled the recent outbreak of Nipah. We had begun to handle such situations through bitter lessons, but our medical professionals were quick to contain the situation and dispel all fears from people's minds. I hope our doctors and medical communities will also work together to convince people about the importance of leading a healthy life style so that our people do not get struck down by unforeseen diseases.
I would also stress upon the need to have a mind open to other streams of science and medicine. Today, most of the Medical streams refuse to accept each other. This situation is exploited by those who survive through quackery, with neither system nor medicine. Qualified medical practitioners should consider more collaborative studies and research so that society will benefit from the results of such cooperation. I hope Kerala University of Health Sciences, would pave the way for such research soon.
Modern medicine has advanced a lot and today, the doctor has the task of convincing the masses through creation of awareness about matters that are even as basic as vaccinations. Success in such responsibilities can be achieved only through hard work and by winning the trust and confidence of society.
Besides, the Internet has opened its free resources to everyone, and we see people questioning the doctors on the strength of what they have gathered from such free sites. Medical practitioners should come out against the spreading of half-baked and incorrect information about health. It is this difficult task of winning people's trust that awaits all you new Graduands. I wish you the professional excellence, confidence and above all, a compassionate mind to achieve this goal.
I compliment the University authorities for organizing this convocation ceremony in a befitting manner. I once again greet everyone present here and wish them success in their chosen fields of activity.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
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