Manipal, 8 July 2024:  The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) proudly inaugurated the MAHE Wilderness Medicine and Conservation Research Centre at Kanchinabailu, Manipal. This new center, a collaboration between MAHE’s Centre for Wilderness Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, and Department of Emergency Medical Technology, signifies a strong commitment to advancing Wilderness Medicine and environmental conservation in India.

The inauguration was presided over by Dr. H.S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE, and attended by key figures such as Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, and Dr. Sharath K. Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Health Sciences, MAHE. Other notable attendees included Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Dean of KMC, Manipal, Dr. Raviraja N. S. as Chief Operating Officer, MAHE, Manipal and several other esteemed professors, directors, and local community members.

The event began with the planting of native tree saplings like Ficus racimosa, Syzygium cumini, Artocarpus hirsutus, and Cassia fistula by the dignitaries and core committee members of the Centre for Wilderness Medicine. Ms. Arundhathi Hebbar initiated the proceedings with a beautiful prayer song.

Dr. Freston Marc Sirur, Coordinator of the Centre for Wilderness Medicine and Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine, welcomed everyone and outlined the vision for this new facility, emphasising its focus on Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. H.S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE, praised the initiative as a groundbreaking effort in India. He emphasised the significance of establishing the MAHE Wilderness Medicine and Conservation Research Centre as a pioneering facility that would not only advance the field of Wilderness Medicine but also set a benchmark for similar initiatives across the country.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, drew from his extensive experience in the field to underscore the critical need for appropriate wilderness emergency response. He elaborated on how the skills and knowledge developed at the new facility would be crucial for saving lives in wilderness settings, where traditional medical infrastructure is often unavailable.

Dr. Sharath K. Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor of Health Sciences at MAHE, focused on the center's commitment to sustainability and its innovative approach to construction and resource management. He emphasised that all facilities at the center would be built using locally sourced or recycled materials, reflecting a dedication to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.

Dr. Vrinda Lath concluded the event with a heartfelt vote of thanks. The MAHE Wilderness Medicine and Conservation Research Centre will serve as a hub for training, research, and conservation efforts, focusing on search and rescue, wilderness emergency response, and conservation medicine. It aims to benefit both the academic community and local residents through education, emergency response, and wildlife conflict mitigation.

Under the leadership of Dr Freston Marc Sirur and his dedicated team, the center is set to become a crucial space for innovation and collaboration in Wilderness Medicine in India. With additional features like a bouldering wall and the Manipal Scuba School, the center promises to be a beacon of training, research, and conservation efforts.