Three senior doctors honoured at Nitte University on National Doctors’ Day

Three senior doctors honoured at Nitte University on National Doctors’ Day

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jul 1, 2026: Three senior medical professionals with decades of dedicated service were honoured by Nitte (Deemed-to-be) University on the occasion of National Doctors’ Day at a programme jointly organised by K.S. Hegde Charitable Hospital and K.S. Hegde Medical Academy at the Avishkar Auditorium in Deralakatte.

The awardees were Dr. Saraswathi Venugopal, an eminent gynaecologist from Payyanur, Kerala; Dr. M.S. Bhat Marigoli, a family physician from Ummachagi in Yellapur; and Dr. Sudhesh K. Derbail, a family physician from Mangaluru.

Speaking at the event, Nitte University Chancellor Vishal Hegde said the medical profession extends far beyond fixed working hours, with doctors remaining committed to society’s health around the clock. He noted that doctors often place patients’ lives ahead of festivals, family functions and personal commitments.

Congratulating the awardees, he said the three doctors have devoted over four decades to healthcare and have emerged as role models, mentors and sources of inspiration for younger generations. Their experience, compassion and professional ethics, he added, continue to guide aspiring medical professionals.

Referring to the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, Hegde said technology has brought new challenges, with many patients arriving at hospitals after reading online medical information and forming assumptions about their conditions. While AI and digital tools can support healthcare, he stressed that accurate diagnosis ultimately depends on a doctor’s clinical experience, knowledge and judgement.

Pro-Chancellor Prof. M. Shantharam Shetty said the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the indispensable role played by doctors, who put public health above their own families and worked tirelessly despite difficult circumstances.

He observed that doctors continue to make personal sacrifices by attending to patients at all hours of the day and night. Recalling earlier days of rural medical practice, he said doctors often crossed rivers at night to conduct deliveries and stayed with patients until childbirth was safely completed, receiving only simple tokens of gratitude from villagers in return.

Prof. Shetty said that despite rapid advances in robotic surgery, diagnostic technologies and artificial intelligence, doctors remain at the centre of healthcare. He added that Indian doctors are respected globally for their expertise and dedication, with thousands of international patients travelling to India for quality treatment.

Accepting the honour, Dr. M.S. Bhat Marigoli reflected on his 47-year career as a family physician in the rural village of Ummachagi. He said he had consciously chosen rural service despite opportunities for postgraduate specialisation and recalled a time when a single family doctor cared for hundreds of families.

Expressing concern over the gradual decline of the family physician concept, Dr. Bhat acknowledged the tremendous advances in modern medicine and the increasing availability of specialists. He urged doctors to adapt to changing times while preserving the dignity of the profession through dedicated service, adding that a patient’s smile after recovery remains the greatest reward for any doctor.

He also praised Nitte Hospital for earning the trust of the public through quality healthcare and the commitment of its medical professionals.

Senior gynaecologist Dr. Saraswathi Venugopal dedicated the recognition to her teachers and mentors, crediting them for shaping her career. She recalled her educational journey in Karnataka, including her studies at Vijaya College, Mulki, and KMC Manipal, and acknowledged the guidance of senior doctors, particularly Dr. Padma Rao and Dr. Manorama Rao.

She also thanked her family for their constant encouragement and support, saying their cooperation enabled her to devote herself fully to patient care and uphold the highest standards of the medical profession.

The programme began with a prayer by Dr. Varun Shetty. Vice-Chancellor Prof. M.S. Moodithaya and Registrar Prof. Harsha Halahalli attended as chief guests. Dr. B. Sandeep Rai, Dean of K.S. Hegde Medical Academy, welcomed the gathering, while Dr. Sumalatha R. Shetty, Medical Superintendent, delivered the vote of thanks. The event was compered by Dr. Siddharth Shetty and Dr. Nisha Shetty.