Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 20: Srinivas University took a significant step towards strengthening community healthcare services with the inauguration of the occupational therapy Outpatient Department (OPD) at the Institute of Occupational Therapy on December 19, at the University’s new campus, Pandeshwara.
The programme was inaugurated by the honourable pro-chancellor of Srinivas University, Dr A Srinivas Rao, who highlighted the University’s commitment to combining academic excellence with social responsibility.
In his address, he observed that Occupational Therapy OPDs are still rare and urged both students and the public to make optimal use of the free services being offered. He emphasized that the primary intention of establishing the OPD is to serve society while simultaneously providing students with valuable clinical exposure.
Vice-chancellor Prof Dr K Sathyanarayana Reddy described occupational therapy as a vital pillar of modern healthcare and research, underlining its role in rehabilitation, functional independence, and improving quality of life.
Development registrar Dr Ajay Kumar advised students to make effective use of the OPD as a hands-on learning platform. He noted that practical exposure, ethical practice, and compassionate service would help students grow into competent healthcare professionals.
The newly inaugurated occupational therapy OPD will provide free rehabilitation services from Monday to Friday, between 9 am and 4 pm, at the Srinivas University new campus, Pandeshwara, catering to individuals of all age groups in the community.
Dr Subramanya Bhat, dean, Institute of Computer & Information Sciences; Dr Thrishala Noronha, dean, Institute of Physiotherapy; Prof Prashant Prabhu, dean, Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism; Dr Venkatesh Amin, dean, Institute of Management and Commerce; Dr Padmanabha C H, dean, Institute of Education; Dr Suchetha Kumari, director of Research; and Dr Divya, director of International Collaboration were present.
The programme began with a welcome address by Dr Florance Angelin, dean, Institute of Occupational Therapy. Dr Pranjali Mhatre, HoD, delivered the vote of thanks, while the programme was compered by Rachana Ruthu D, assistant professor.