Alva’s Medical College inaugurated in Moodbidri; Dakshina Kannada has potential to become medical hub: Pralhad Joshi

Alva’s Medical College inaugurated in Moodbidri; Dakshina Kannada has potential to become medical hub: Pralhad Joshi

Mangalore Today News Network

Moodbidri, Sep 22, 2026: Union Minister for Education and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi said Dakshina Kannada has the potential to emerge as a medical hub for the world.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Alva’s Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (Alva’s Medical College), established at the Srimathi Shobha Mohan Alva Campus in Mijar by the Alva’s Education Foundation, on Monday evening.

Joshi said the world is moving towards an ageing population and facing a shortage of human resources. He noted that Indian doctors and nurses enjoy a high level of trust globally, providing India with an opportunity to emerge as a major source of skilled healthcare professionals.

He also said the approval process for Alva’s Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre would be completed within a month after the required clarifications related to the Alva’s Education Foundation’s proposal for deemed university status are addressed.

Speaking on the occasion, MP Captain Brijesh Chowta said ensuring accessible healthcare for all is a key objective of the Union government and that the healthcare sector is developing rapidly as a result of such policies.

He called upon people to support the Centre’s TB-free India campaign and expressed hope that Dakshina Kannada would emerge as a destination for both healthcare and spiritual wellness. He also said the district should develop more healthcare institutions and become a medical tourism destination.

Chowta said the establishment of Alva’s Medical College had fulfilled the aspirations of education enthusiasts, the vision of Dr M Mohan Alva and the expectations of the people.

In his introductory address, Alva’s Education Foundation president Dr M Mohan Alva expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the establishment of the medical college.

A large number of educationists, university heads, medical professionals, public representatives and other dignitaries attended the inaugural programme.

Among those present were Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences Vice-Chancellor Dr Bhagawan BC, former RGUHS vice-chancellors Dr S Chandra Shekar Shetty, Dr Ramananda Shetty and Dr S Sachchidananda, MAHE Chancellor Dr H S Ballal, Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor Dr P L Dharma, Nitte Deemed-to-be University Vice-Chancellor Vishal Hegde, Yenepoya Deemed-to-be University Chancellor Dr Abdul Kunchi, Srinivas University Chancellor Dr A Srinivas Rao, Mulki-Moodbidri MLA Umanath A Kotyan, former ministers K Abhayachandra Jain and Vinay Kumar Sorake, and several other dignitaries.

The programme was compered and concluded with a vote of thanks by lecturer Venugopal Shetty. Cultural programmes followed the formal inauguration.

Pralhad Joshi on Viksit Bharat 2047

Joshi also said India was moving towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

He said India currently exports goods and services worth around $863 billion and has made significant progress in renewable energy. He added that several countries are seeking trade agreements with India in view of its economic growth.

Joshi said around 98% of mobile phones are now manufactured in India and claimed that the country would play a leading role in developing 6G technology.

He said the country has significant opportunities for its young population and that the Union government has allocated Rs 2.5 lakh crore for research. He expressed confidence that India would become a developed nation by 2047.