Ex-VC of MAHE to head Bihar Health Society

Ex-VC of MAHE to head Bihar Health Society
Saturday March 4 2006 11:40 IST
MANGALORE: City-based cardiologist and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) former Vice-Chancellor Prof B M Hegde has been invited by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to head Bihar Health Society (BHS).

The society, formed at the initiative of Nitish Kumar, will look into upgrading facilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, which come under its purview, in the state.

Kumar, impressed with Dr Hegde’s talk on healthcare reforms delivered at a medical conference in Bihar, did not lose a moment in communicating his decision to nominate him as the head of Bihar Health Society.

The city is naturally elated over the unique honour being conferred on one of its most popular citizens.

Born on August 18, 1938 in Pangala near Udupi, Dr Hegde since his youth had developed a passion for teaching.

An avid writer and a great orator, Dr Hegde is popular for his ability to speak in seven languages, clarity of thought, compassion and healthy respect for native, complementary systems of medicine.

Besides being on the governing bodies of many prestigious institutions in India and abroad, he has been a visiting professor in institutions in almost all countries, except South America.

When contacted Dr Hegde, who was returning to the city after attending a medical seminar in Pune, said he was likely to take charge of his new job this month.

The 20-member society headed by him will have an executive director of IAS cadre and eminent doctors.

Dr Hegde, who has already familiarised himself with the grim realities in the healthcare sector during his many visits to Bihar, said: ‘‘The responsibility is not a joke but hard work.’’

Dr Hegde said the honour was an opportunity to do something for the ordinary people in Bihar who are very helpful and affectionate.