Emphasis on Quality Education, Research on Maternal Health, Transgender Outreach, and Advanced Surgical Training
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Governor and Chancellor of State Universities, Anandiben Patel chaired a review meeting at Raj Bhavan regarding the Self-Study Report (SSR) for the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) re-assessment of King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow. The university presented its efforts in academic quality, research promotion, infrastructure development, and student welfare during the meeting.
Reviewing the presentation, the Governor emphasized the need for the university to conduct in-depth research on various important aspects related to pregnancy and childbirth. She stressed the importance of research on ensuring optimal fetal development during the nine months of pregnancy, the nutritional diet for pregnant mothers, and the appropriate diet for newborns after delivery. Highlighting the significance of “Garbh Sanskar” (prenatal education), the Governor directed that this subject be included in the curriculum of all universities, workshops be organized, and extensive discussions be held.
She stated that both young girls and prospective parents should be trained on this subject, specifically emphasizing that fathers must also receive training on their role during pregnancy and how they can contribute to the nutrition and health care of the pregnant mother. She directed universities to prepare books on this subject, familiarize students with this knowledge, and promote research in this area. Drawing attention to a crucial aspect, the Governor stressed the need for in-depth research on how to make childbirth “pain-free” (painless delivery).
Furthermore, the Governor suggested including menopause in the university curriculum, launching awareness campaigns to address the physical and mental problems faced by women due to hormonal changes during menopause, and encouraging research in this field. She motivated the attendees by mentioning that when a daughter acquires knowledge on such topics, she becomes a source of help and guidance not only for herself but also for other women in her family.
She gave clear instructions to conduct research linking Garbh Sanskar, prenatal and postnatal care, and menopause-related topics with Ayurveda, as this ancient medical system offers valuable solutions for all these issues. She emphasized that the benefits of this traditional system should be leveraged to make the new generation health-conscious and empowered.
Inspired by the Governor, King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, has initiated an innovative step in the field of medical education. Following the Governor’s guidance, the Anatomy Department of KGMU has started organizing cadaveric workshops, where donated dead bodies are used for research and advanced training, providing practical training in life-saving surgical procedures to medical students and expert surgeons. The Governor directed that students be taught through advanced learning in a way that they become proficient in complex surgical techniques and promote new research in the medical field.
Praising this initiative, the Governor said that cadaveric workshops provide medical students with the opportunity to practice surgery in a risk-free environment. This not only enhances the skills of the students but also opens new avenues for innovation in the field of research. Under her guidance, KGMU has developed a platform that is very useful for society. The Governor clearly instructed that this work should be expanded to a wider level so that the medical field can reach new heights of excellence.
During the meeting, she specifically emphasized that while achieving the highest grade is a matter of pleasure, the university’s objective should not be limited to just obtaining grades. Universities should make providing quality and purposeful education their primary goal to ensure the holistic development of students. She directed the university to reach out to the transgender community, engage in dialogue, and organize awareness lectures for them. She emphasized encouraging students to express their grievances and suggestions through feedback forms and stressed that if any deficiency or problem is reported by the students, it should be resolved immediately. Teachers should establish regular communication with students, take their feedback, and take necessary corrective action. She specifically mentioned that quality improvement in the university should be the top priority so that the institution can set an example both academically and socially.
The Governor also stated that the university should identify slow learners and make special arrangements for them so that they can also perform better academically. She emphasized ensuring practical training in yoga for the physical and mental health of students, encouraging students to maximize the use of the library, and directed that all degrees of students be uploaded to DigiLocker at the time of convocation itself.
She gave strict instructions to the university administration to organize additional activities for students not only within the campus but also outside. Additionally, the university should have greater participation in assisting Anganwadi centers and serving patients suffering from tuberculosis (TB).
The Governor said that awareness campaigns should be accelerated in the villages adopted by the university. She directed that the radio operated by the university should be used to disseminate information related to health, education, hygiene, and government schemes. The Governor specifically stated that the benefits of schemes like Ayushman cards should reach the right eligible individuals. Along with this, she also directed the university to work for the welfare of persons with disabilities and to effectively run the drug de-addiction campaign.
On this occasion, she encouraged the university family and said that all officers, teachers, and students should work with full commitment and continuously strive to get the highest grade for the university. Quality is paramount in the field of education and research, and KGMU should maintain its excellence and continuously progress in accordance with national and international standards. Together, everyone should make the university an ideal center for medical education and research.
Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor Dr. Sudhir Mahadev Bobde, Special Officer (Education) Dr. Pankaj L. Johny, Vice-Chancellor of KGMU Prof. Sonia Nityanand, and members of the university’s NAAC team, along with other officials, were present at the meeting.
