AI, digitalisation are central to medical education's future: RGUHS VC

As healthcare rapidly embraces artificial intelligence, precision medicine and digital technologies, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) is preparing for what its Vice-Chancellor, Dr Bhagavan BC, describes as the biggest transformation in medical education. In an interview with News Trail, Dr Bhagavan outlines an ambitious roadmap to position RGUHS among Asia's leading health sciences universities. From creating one of Karnataka's largest health research ecosystems and expanding simulation-based learning to promoting public health campaigns and attracting international students, he says the university is preparing graduates for a technology-driven healthcare future.

What are your top priorities for transforming medical education at RGUHS? Our foremost priority is complete digitalisation. Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are central to the future of healthcare education. They not only make learning more accessible but also strengthen research capabilities and prepare students to compete globally. Today, nearly four lakh students across 1,500 affiliated institutions are connected to RGUHS.

We have already achieved close to 80 per cent digital integration, allowing students to access examination services, certificates and academic resources remotely. Research is another major focus. We are establishing a world-class research ecosystem at our 50-acre Bheemanakuppe campus near Kengeri. Spread over nearly four lakh square feet, it will house digital pathology and radiology facilities, a modern biobank, molecular and genetic laboratories, and one of Karnataka's largest health data centres.

This project is being developed in collaboration with the Karnataka IT-BT Department and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). To improve practical training, six advanced simulation and skill laboratories are being established in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Kalaburagi, Davangere and Gadag for students of medicine, nursing and allied health sciences. The university is also developing its 260-acre Ramanagara campus, where the administrative headquarters will eventually be shifted.

The vision is to establish an integrated Health City with a medical college and constituent colleges for dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, Ayurveda, Unani, Yoga and Naturopathy. We are also launching a dedicated placement cell to connect graduates with employment opportunities and support students preparing for NEET-PG and other competitive examinations. How is RGUHS encouraging students to contribute to public health beyond academics? Medical education must extend beyond classrooms and hospitals.

Students should become ambassadors of public health. Our Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign has already reached 16 districts, with more than 1.25 lakh students taking the antidrug pledge and participating in awareness programmes. A recent event at Kanteerava Stadium brought together over 35,000 students in the presence of the Vice President of India, the Governor, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. The next phase will see our students working as anti-drug ambassadors in schools and colleges across Karnataka.

RGUHS is the first university in the country to institutionalise such an initiative. We have also launched one of Karnataka's largest studentled organ donation campaigns, with more than 7,500 students registering as organ donors. These initiatives are helping build socially responsible healthcare professionals alongside competent clinicians. Has NEET ensured fair and merit-based admissions, or does it require reforms? We are living in a digital era, and technology can address many of the concerns surrounding entrance examinations.

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has demonstrated how robust digital systems can ensure transparent, credible and efficient conduct of largescale examinations. Regular technological audits and adoption of advanced digital systems can make examinations virtually foolproof. RGUHS itself has successfully implemented a fully digital examination system for nearly 15 years, including online transmission of question papers and digital evaluation, proving that technology can significantly improve examination integrity.

How do you plan to make RGUHS a preferred destination for international students? Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, has emerged as a major centre for healthcare, biotechnology, information technology and medical education. The State has an outstanding network of medical colleges, teaching hospitals and internationally recognised institutions such as Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology and the Indira Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases, providing students with exceptional clinical exposure.

RGUHS, now completing 30 years, has strengthened its academic credibility through a transparent, technology-driven examination system. To promote research, we have introduced grants of ?30,000 for every student researcher and ?50,000 for faculty research projects. Our university e-journal has also secured Scopus recognition, reflecting our growing emphasis on high-quality research and international academic standards.