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Manipal, 13th November 2024: The Department of Psychiatry at Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, celebrates a significant milestone today with the inauguration of its Golden Jubilee Academic Block. The inauguration will be led by Dr. H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor  Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), with the distinguished presence of Lt Gen (Dr) M.D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor of MAHE; Dr. Sharath Kumar Rao K, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences); Dr. P Giridhar Kini, Registrar MAHE; Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent Kasturba Hospital; and other senior officials, department heads from KMC, and eminent guests.

The event will also be attended by faculty, trainees, and staff from the Department of Psychiatry, KMC, Manipal, along with several distinguished alumni who have contributed extensively to the field of psychiatry both nationally and internationally. Their presence is a testament to the department’s rich legacy and commitment to advancing mental health care.

The Golden Jubilee Academic Block, a landmark achievement for the Department of Psychiatry, was made possible through generous contributions from the department’s alumni, supported by a matching grant, land allocation, and extensive organizational support from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). This collaborative effort underscores the power of alumni "giving back" to their alma mater and reflects their ongoing dedication to the growth of the institution.

This new academic block is set to significantly enhance the academic and research capabilities of the Department of Psychiatry, aligning with its mission to raise standards of care for individuals with psychiatric conditions. Designed to create an advanced educational environment, the facility will support students, researchers, and clinicians, fostering innovative research and a holistic approach to mental health.

Since its inception, the Department of Psychiatry at KMC, Manipal, has been a leader in psychiatric education and research, producing an accomplished network of alumni who have made a global impact in mental health services. The Golden Jubilee Academic Block embodies the department’s dedication to expanding knowledge, addressing pressing mental health issues, and securing a brighter future for the field of psychiatry.

Reflecting on this development, Dr. H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE, stated, “The Golden Jubilee Academic Block exemplifies our commitment to fostering academic and research excellence in mental health. I commend the Department of Psychiatry for its vision and dedication to improving care standards, and I deeply appreciate the alumni who have generously supported this endeavor.”

Lt Gen (Dr) M.D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor of MAHE, emphasized the importance of the facility, noting, “This academic block symbolizes a pivotal step forward for the Department of Psychiatry. With enhanced infrastructure and resources, our students and researchers will be able to achieve new milestones in mental health care and treatment.”

Adding to this, Dr. Sharath Kumar Rao K, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences), remarked, “The establishment of this academic block is a testament to our commitment to advancing mental health education and research. We look forward to witnessing the transformative impact this facility will have on training, research, and the overall quality of psychiatric care provided by our institution.”

The Golden Jubilee Academic Block at the Department of Psychiatry, KMC, Manipal, represents a unified vision of advancing mental health care through education and research. This development opens a new chapter in the history of KMC and MAHE, empowering future generations of psychiatrists, researchers, and healthcare professionals to make meaningful contributions to mental health.