RGSC Inaugurates Telemedicine OPD; Conducts First Telemedicine Consultation

As part of its ongoing efforts to develop the South Campus situated in Barkachha and enhance the on-campus amenities and infrastructure there, Banaras Hindu University has launched a Telemedicine facility at the campus' Health Centre. The facility, inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, will facilitate consultation to patients from doctors of the Sir Sunderlal Hospital at varsity’s Varanasi campus.

The Setu-Care BHU Telemedicine OPD, powered by eSanjeevani: National Telemedicine Service, will help patients get consultation as well as prescription from specialists sitting at the SSH. A demo consultation was also conducted soon after the inauguration of the facility. Medical Officer of RGSC Dr Rishabh Mishra facilitated the consultation connecting the patient with Dr Nilesh Kumar, General Medicine, IMS-BHU. Upon completion of the consultation, the Vice-Chancellor handed the prescription of the first telemedicine consultation to the patient.

Prof. S. N. Sankhwar, Director, IMS-BHU, Prof. Sanjay Gupta, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Puneet, Medical Superintendent, Sir Sunderlal Hospital, IMS-BHU, and Prof. B. M. N. Kumar, Professor in-Charge, Rajeev Gandhi South Campus (RGSC), were also present on the occasion. The Vice-Chancellor complimented the South Campus upon inauguration of the telemedicine facility, stating that the initiative is an excellent example of a well-coordinated team work.

During his day-long visit to the campus, the Vice-Chancellor also inaugurated the first floor of the new building of the Central Hindu School (CHS). The new construction consists of five classrooms, a computer lab, and a hall, significantly enhancing the capacity of the school. Prof. Chaturvedi also inspected the facilities at the school and interacted with the teaching faculty and students.

He also inaugurated the E-Bicycle Facility at the campus, aimed at facilitating convenient and sustainable intra-campus mobility for students. Students will be able to rent the e-cycles for mobility on the campus.

The Vice-Chancellor addressed the newly admitted postgraduate students of the campus during the Orientation Programme for the academic session 2026–27. Prof. Chaturvedi spoke about the importance of discovering one’s “inner calling” during the course of their academic journey. He emphasised the importance of academic performance, noting that it builds confidence. When you are persistent as well as patient, you gain confidence, he said, adding that confidence is the outcome of hard work and attitude. Addressing the issue of mental stress that students may encounter, Prof. Chaturvedi said that everyone goes through difficult phases and underlined the importance of reaching out for support during such times. He highlighted the role of the Well-being Services Cell (WBSC) established by BHU to support students and urged them to look out for one another, particularly in matters concerning mental well-being and the ability to cope with stress. He also encouraged the students to set ambitious goals and strive for excellence. He called upon students to make the most of their campus life as it may bring to them a sea of opportunities, even though there could be challenges. Hostel life is very different from the life at home. It makes you learn new things. Ability to take decisions is one of the most important things among them, said Prof. Chaturvedi.

Professor-In-Charge, South Campus, Prof. B.M.N. Kumar said that RGSC was established with the vision of contributing to rural prosperity. He highlighted the campus’ extensive greenery and healthy environment, which provide conducive conditions for academic pursuits. He said that RGSC is a fully residential campus and noted that healthcare facilities at the campus have been strengthened in recent times. He added that parking and library facilities would also be further improved.

Prof. Amit Raj Gupta, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, said that RGSC students could make use of the facilities available at the Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in case of any requirements or shortages.

Interacting with the faculty members of the South Campus and the Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, the Vice-Chancellor addressed concerns regarding courses with declining demand and stressed the need to critically examine the reasons, including outdated curricula, attention to placements, and explore possibilities for curriculum revision as well as reinventing the programmes aligned with emerging market requirements.

He also suggested leveraging the expertise of faculty members from the North Campus by engaging them as guest faculty for specialised courses, which would help them strengthen academic programmes. Emphasising that institutional development is an ongoing journey, he urged faculty members to take ownership of challenges, communicate them to the concerned authorities and work collaboratively towards sustainable solutions.