Thu Jun 12 04:34:39 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences Mandates Drug-Free Campuses**
**Bengaluru, June 12, 2025** – The Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in Bengaluru has announced a new initiative to combat drug and tobacco use within its affiliated medical, dental, and nursing colleges. Effective immediately, college principals are required to submit formal undertakings declaring their institutions “drug and tobacco free.”
The university is also mandating the creation of student and teacher vigilance committees tasked with identifying and reporting instances of narcotics or tobacco use to a central RGUHS cell.
Dr. Bhagavan B.C., Vice-Chancellor of RGUHS, emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing a national survey indicating that 30% of healthcare workers and 20% of healthcare students in India struggle with narcotics addiction.
“My vision is to make institutions drug and tobacco free,” Dr. Bhagavan stated. “Drug and tobacco-free campus verification will be incorporated into our Local Inspection Committees starting next year.”
To further promote a healthy lifestyle, RGUHS, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Ayush, and other organizations, is hosting an International Day of Yoga and an International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking event today, June 12th, where over 2,000 students will take an oath against substance abuse.
This initiative is part of RGUHS’s broader commitment to fostering a healthy and productive learning environment for future healthcare professionals.
First Piper 