As the world is recovering from the precarious nightmares of the COVID-19 pandemic, global healthcare systems went through a process of instigation to cope and prepare for similar or even worse scenarios. India being an enormous country with more than 1.3 billion people, the healthcare challenges are different from those of other countries of the world.

On the one hand, India has one of the best pools of trained healthcare professionals globally. While, on the other hand, it is still fighting hard for primary healthcare to breach every nook and corner of the country, several organisations and institutes have been fighting this challenge with honour and grace.

Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University (SDM University) has been one such leading force in India’s Medical Education and healthcare. The Knowledge review caught up with Poojya Shri D. Veerendra Heggade, Hon’ble Chancellor of the University, to learn about the esteemed University’s story of its inception and courageous journey.

Foundation and Expansion of SDM University

Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University (SDM University) was established under the Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University Act. 2018 and has been in existence since December 19, 2018, as a State Private University of Karnataka State at Sattur, Dharwad.

The University has been sponsored by Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Educational (SDME) Society, Ujire, Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, a premier non-profit Educational Society. This society is under the sacred aegis of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala and, with the able guidance of its distinguished President, Poojya Shri D. Veerendra Heggade, the Chancellor of the University.

SDM University is the only Private University that incorporated the digital examination from its inception, wherein students write their examination on epads for their convenience and easiness. It is also well received by the evaluators who carry out the digital evaluation with ‘zero error correction’. The results announcement is also speedy compared to the conventional methods.

Objectives

• SDM University is created with the aim of contributing to the growth of the region.
• Providing affordable Higher Education to all students.
• Providing Health Services of high standards at affordable costs.
• Producing trained Health Care Providers and Skilled Workers to meet the increasing global demand.

Vision

Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University envisions setting the highest standards of teaching and learning by awakening the students’ intelligence and nurturing the creativity hidden in them by creating an environment where ancient wisdom blends with modern science to transform them into whole human beings to face challenges.

Mission

SDM Medical college ensures that the journey of education is inspiring, pleasant, and enjoyable.

• Attract the best of teachers and students. Achieve high principles of trust, love and spirituality in the students.
• Create a collaborative, diverse and exclusive community.
• Transform today’s student to be a leader of tomorrow and a better human being.
• Produce passionate teachers.
• Evolve innovative teaching techniques.
• Create a peaceful environment.
• Prepare the student to face the social challenges.
• Create a University of which the Nation is proud of.
• Be an effective partner in Nation Building.
• Create an Eco-friendly University.
• Create a University based on the principles of beauty, love and justice.

A Visionary Leader

Poojya Shri D. Veerendra Heggade, Hon’ble Chancellor of the University, is a visionary leader. His dream is to start a Centre of Excellence in Medical Education and Healthcare for the people of the North Karnataka region at an affordable cost. Under the able guidance of the Chancellor and the Vice- Chancellor, the University and its constituent Institutions provides quality education and health care. The University offers a conducive environment across the campus with modern infrastructure for studies, hostels, and nutritious food.

Dr. Niranjan Kumar, a renowned Plastic Surgeon in the country, leads the University as its first Vice-Chancellor. During his period, the University and its constituent Institutions have secured top ranks in the country.

Birth of the Esteemed SDM Medical College

SDM College of Medical Sciences was established in 2003 under the leadership of the great visionary Poojya Shri D. Veerendra Heggade, the President of SDM Educational Society, who wished to start a Centre of Excellence for Medical Education and healthcare for the people of the North Karnataka Region.

All excellent facilities of SDM Medical College are spread over in 70 acres of lush green and with unique architectural buildings. Spacious location away from the noise of buzzing cities, pollution-free environment, and comfortable natural ambient temperature range of this part of Karnataka State can be an ideal dream of many parents from various locations of India and Abroad.

Valued Course Offerings and Infrastructure

The Esteemed SDM Medical College offers MBBS Undergraduate, MD, and MS Postgraduate Degrees / Diploma in 22 Specialties in Pre-Clinical, Para Clinical, and Clinical subjects. The College also offers Ph.D., Fellowship programs, B.Sc. in Medical Allied Sciences, and Certificate Courses. These courses are recognised by the National Medical Commission, New Delhi.

The SDM Hospitals has a total of 1250 beds comprising multi and super speciality services with a daily capacity of 1500 OPD patients. SDM Hospitals has stood as epitomes of excellent patient care providing affordable healthcare services to the public with the most modern hospitals, ultra-modern diagnostic laboratories, Imaging department with MRI, CT, Ultrasonography and conventional Radiology services augmented with Digital services.

The Central diagnostic lab of the hospital is connected to all wards with a Pneumatic Tube System for faster transport of samples, so that sample processing occurs faster.

The uniqueness of the institution is that it practices the best standards in teaching, which ultimately make students better healthcare professionals. The students are monitored throughout their course. The institution also provides affordable healthcare services to the public. The medical college campus has a beautiful landscape that creates a suitable learning environment.

Recognitions and Collaborations

Recognised by the National Medical Commission, New Delhi, SDM Medical College has experienced and welltrained doctors in all specialities. They have been recognised for their achievement both National and Internationally working with other Societies and Universities for the betterment of Medical Education. Dr. Rathnamala M. Desai, Principal & Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, has been elected as National President of the Family Planning Association of India (2021- 2023).

SDM Medical College has also collaborated with various Central and State Government organisations for research and skill development projects. Various funded research and field activities are also carried out in multiple departments.

The Medical College has collaborated with: Karnataka University, Dharwad for Academic Research, Development and Extension Activities. KIDNAR – Karnataka Institute for DNA Research, Dharwad for joint research in Genetic Analysis. SDM Medical College is also a partner institution of ECFMG’s GEMx (Global Education through Medical Exchange).

This gives an exposure at the global level whereby students worldwide may opt to do elective clerkships in our institution. Our students will also get the reciprocal opportunity to pursue similar clerkships at the end of their internships.

Steps Towards Creating a Healthy Future

With a vision to create a powerful and experienced medical facility providing body for sustainability, SDM Medical College is providing its students with all the necessities that contribute to students’ bright future and enhance the healthcare industry in the country. Starting with baby steps, SDM Medical College is enhancing itself by providing qualified, experienced and dedicated teaching faculty for high-quality teaching-learning, training and evaluation process. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and sufficient opportunities for research, the SDM is taking all the necessary steps in creating a healthy and safe future.