Media Release
Mangalore, Nov 8: Dr C Rajesh Ballal was installed as the new president of Mangalore Branch of Indian Medical Association (IMA) for the year 2013-14 at a formal ceremony held recently at Dr A V Rao Conference Hall, IMA House, Attavar here.
The new team headed by Dr C Rajesh Ballal was installed by Prof Dr K R Shetty, senior neurologist who was the guest of honour and installation officer. Prof Dr S Ramananda Shetty, vice-chancellor of Nitte University was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
The new IMA president Dr C Rajesh Ballal is a professor at department of general surgery, KS Hegde Medical Academy (KSHEMA), Derlakatte, Mangalore. He has served as the Head of the Department for a period of four years. He has worked at KMC Mangalore earlier, for a period of 13 years. His special interest is laparoscopic surgery.
Speaking on the occasion Dr S Ramananda Shetty felicitated the new and old office bearers. Observing that lot of reforms are need to remove anomalies’ and balance the system, he said: “Over a thousand years ago, we had Nalanda University, which could accommodate 10,000 students from all over the world and they had 2000 teachers. So the teacher-student ratio was 1:5. In contrast today we cram the classrooms with students. 70% of Indian population is rural and only 30% is urban, yet more than 70% of the doctors and medical facilities are concentrated in urban areas and only 30% is in rural areas.”
In his address Dr K R Shetty recalled old memories of his association with IMA Mangalore Branch and how he was proud to be part of the team that struggled to establish its own building, the IMA House at Attavar. “Today health care is certainly far advanced and people enjoy better treatment, but the downside is that doctors’ image has taken a beating. Hence deep introspection is required to remedy the situation,’ he advised.
In his first address as president Dr C Rajesh Ballal thanked all those who had helped him and assured the gathering that he would continue the good work done by the previous team. He urged the members present to join hands and strengthen the organization.
Office-bearers for the year 2013-2014
· President Dr C Rajesh Ballal
· 1st Vice-president Dr Anand Bangera
· 2nd Vice-president Dr Amritha Bhandary
· Hon secretary Dr Animesh Jain
· Treasurer Dr Prathvi Shetty
· President elect (2014-15) Dr G.K. Bhat Sankabithilu
· Joint secretary Dr Veena Bhagwan
· Editor Dr B. Devadas Rai
· Historian Dr K V Devadiga
· President, IMA Trust Dr Bhaskar Shetty
The programme began with IMA Prayer rendered by Dr G K Bhat Sankabithilu. This was followed by Secretary’s Report for the past year by the outgoing secretary Dr Nithish Bhandary. Outgoing president, Dr Manjunath Shenoy M welcomed the gathering and recapitulated the year gone by. ‘Medilore’ News bulletin of IMA Mangalore Branch edited by Dr B Devadas Rai was released on the occasion. Dr Sandeep and Dr Chakrapani introduced the dignitaries. Dr Rashmi Kundapur was the master of ceremony. SR Diagnostics Ideal and Auto Matrix, Mangalore were the sponsors for the programme.