Mangaluru: The First Dr B S Sajjan Endowment Oration, with the theme “Public Health Leadership in COVID-19 Pandemic,” was held on March 6 at the Medical Education Unit AV Hall, Lighthouse Hill Road, by the Department of Community Medicine of Kasturba Medical College. In his welcome address, Additional Dean, Professor Department of Community Medicine KMC Mangaluru Dr Unnikrishnan said, “This oration is a fitting homage to Dr Sajjan of the Community Medicine Department. Dr Sajjan began his career at KMC Mangaluru in 1994 and served as Professor HOD of Community Medicine from 2000 to 2008. He had made significant contributions to public health in both the district and the state. He was a very humble man who was always open to helping someone at any time.”.
Dr Ramachandra Bairy and Dr B S Sajjan were felicitated by the Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering after the inauguration the District Health Officer Dr Ramachandra Bairy said, “The government has started immunizing front-line workers, but only 60 per cent of the 52381 health-care workers have received the vaccine. The good news is that the senior citizens arrive for their vaccinations early in the morning. The vaccination campaign will run until August, and private hospitals will charge Rs 250 per person.”
“We need to strengthen the testing process while still encouraging people to get the vaccine. Young doctors are bright, but they lack communication skills and are afraid to take on leadership roles. Medical colleges should train students to improve their leadership qualities” he added.
Professor Head Lifecourse Epidemiology Indian Institute of Public Health PHFI Bengaluru and Member of Karnataka State Government State Vision Group, Dr Giridhara R Babu, delivered a guest lecture on “Lessons learned from COVID-19 response in India”.
Associate professor Dept of Community Medicine KMC Mangaluru Dr Ramesh Holla delivered the vote of thanks. Pro-Vice-Chancellor Manipal Academy of Higher Education- Mangalore Campus Dr Dilip Naik, Head of Community Medicine Dr Rekha T, Dr Suresh Shetty, and Dr Pramod Associate Dean’s KMC Mangalore were also present.
