Rajasthan Government to spend over Rs. 800cr to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in State, Said Dr. Raghu Sharma at E- Convocation ceremony of IIHMR University, Jaipur

by Suman Gupta

–         Dr. Raghu Sharma was the Chief Guest at the 6^th E- Convocation of IIHMR University

–         IIHMR University hosted its first E-Convocation due to COVID-19 pandemic

–         Amongst 8 students, Girls dominated the medals tally

July 2020, Jaipur: Without a proper healthcare management system, no medical institution can successfully run their operation smoothly. Looking at the demographics of the state and increasing population, it is a challenging task to reach every person and facilitate the medical facilities for them. However, with the help of private players and NGO’s, Government of Rajasthan is continuously making efforts towards achieving these goals said Dr. Raghu Sharma, Cabinet Minister of Medical and Health, Medical Education, Ayurveda and DIPR, Government of Rajasthan, who was addressing the management students during the e-Convocation ceremony (6th Convocation) of IIHMR University, Jaipur as the Chief Guest of the Ceremony. Ms. Priyanka Agarwal, Managing Director & Partner, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), New Delhi, was the Guest of Honour for the convocation. Dr. Pankaj Gupta, President, IIHMR University welcomed the guests and presented the university’s annual report. Dr. S D Gupta, Chairperson, IIHMR University also addressed the students.

While announcing the investment of over Rs. 800cr (MLA Fund of 2years) to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure in the state, the Medical and Health Minister said, “We need to develop a robust healthcare system that is cheap and accessible to the common man. With the recent launch of the Nirogi Rajasthan Campaign, the government is trying to facilitate smooth medical services and spread public awareness across states. Even during the COVID-19 health crisis, Rajasthan is one of those states that successfully managed to contain the spread of COVID-19. We have also implemented the valuable suggestions of Dr. Ashok Agrawal, Trustee, IIHMR University, and Dr. S.D. Gupta, Chairman, IIHMR, who are an important member of COVID-19 Task Force, Government of Rajasthan.”

Ms. Priyanka Aggarwal, Managing Director, BCG, New Delhi, who was addressing the e-Convocation as a key speaker and Guest of Honor, said, “The graduating students are amongst the smartest and most intelligent in the country having made it to the prestigious university. They have a unique advantage of looking at this time to set the stage for India’s post-2020 Healthcare. The kind of passion students holds for transforming Healthcare in India will bring the humanitarian approach to healthcare breakthrough. We need passionate and focused healthcare professionals to contribute to the development of society. I request students to keep alive their passion, dream big, and never stop learning.”

Congratulating students and their parents on this historic occasion, Dr. Pankaj Gupta, President IIHMR University, said, “My heartfelt congratulations with a special appreciation to those students who will be receiving awards, medals, and distinctions. He said, every student is a star in the little corners of our hearts, and everyone will contribute to the development of society and nation as that is what we taught them here at IIHMR University, Jaipur. Our initiative of conducting 50+ webinars with 100+ virtual speakers, during COVID-19 Lockdown, helped our students to stay ahead and updated with the healthcare scenario across the world. The University has conducted 25+ FDPs/Distinguished Academic Leadership sessions for the faculty and research scholars of IIHMR University, during the year 2019-20. He suggested students for a life-long commitment towards learning.”

Presiding the convocation, Dr. S. D. Gupta, Chairman, IIHMR University, addressed the students- “You should be mindful to prepare and conduct yourself to the healthcare industry’s professional world. Remember, the first job is significant; it should be an opportunity that would open the door for future success as a professional. Employers look for high personal and professional integrity, and commitment to work.  Your behaviour would matter a lot for the organization. You must hone up your inter-personal relationship skills and behaviour. When you have a problem, think of a solution as well. While you work for the growth of the organization, you choose, think of your personal growth to develop yourself as a future leader.  He further encouraged the students to publish papers in reputed Journals, which will help them position as specialists in the area of interest. He urged the students to master the data analytic skills and to use information in decision making and problem-solving as well”.

Dr. P R Sodani, Dean & Pro President, IIHMR University, moderated the convocation ceremony. He congratulated the students for their hard work and commitment they showed during the last two years. He said‘I believe that you will contribute adequately to the health sector as you are trained now and have acquired the skill set required in India and globally. We will start a new chapter together to build a strong health system globally.”

The 6^th convocation of IIHMR University goes online this year amidst the COVID-19 Lockdown. A total of 216 students were given their management and doctorate degrees during e-convocation, where 8 students were awarded gold and silver medals. Among them, 4 girls were given a gold medal, while 3 girls and 1 boy were awarded a silver medal. The details are mentioned below:

Extending good wishes to the passing out students, Mr. Hem Kumar Bhargava, Registrar, IIHMR University, said, “The 2018-20 batch is special for us as they are passing out during pandemic. We expect our students to innovate and bring a difference in the existing field of healthcare management.”

Students of IIHMR University, Jaipur were awarded their due degrees of MBA in Hospital Management, Pharmaceutical Management, and Rural Management, along with the doctorate degrees. Dr. P R Sodani, Dean, Institute of Health Management Research, Dr. Saurabh Kumar, Dean, School of Pharmaceutical Management, Mr. Rahul Ghai, Dean, School of Development Studies, shared the memories of their association with students and congratulated them for their achievement.

The ceremony culminated with the singing of National Anthem. It was an evening of fond remembrance and achievement for the young management graduates who received their degrees in the ceremony, said, Provost, IIHMR University, Dr. Rani S. Ladha. Even during this virtual moment, they were upbeat and expressed their elation.