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SRHU Launches Uttarakhand’s First General Duty Assistant (GDA) Course

Published on: January 8, 2025

SRHU Launches Uttarakhand’s First General Duty Assistant (GDA) Course

Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) has officially launched Uttarakhand’s first-ever General Duty Assistant (GDA) course on 1st January 2025, marking a significant milestone in the state’s healthcare education landscape. This is the only GDA skill certification program offered by a University in Uttarakhand, making Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) the pioneer in this field.

A total of 16 candidates have enrolled in the first batch of the GDA course. Upon successful completion, these candidates will be trained to serve as multipurpose healthcare assistants, supporting nurses and other healthcare professionals in both hospital and home care settings. The GDA will be equipped to handle multiple roles, ensuring efficient patient care and operational smoothness.

The six-month GDA course is particularly designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of their clinical and practical responsibilities. The curriculum focuses on essential areas such as emphasizing patient care, communication, and adherence to ethical and legal standards. It includes a blend of classroom teaching, practical demonstrations and hands-on clinical experience, under the supervision of registered nurses.

The course inauguration ceremony was attended by the distinguished dignitaries, including Prof. (Dr.) Hem Chandra Pandey, Director of Hospital Services and Chairman of the GDA Admission Committee; Dr. D.C. Joshi, Deputy Medical Superintendent; Dr. Sanchita Pugazhendi, Principal, Himalayan College of Nursing and Member, Admission Committee, GDA; Dr. Harleen Kaur; Dr. Vandana Chauhan, Programme Coordinator and Member Secretary, Admission Committee, GDA; Mr. Chandan Chaudhary; Mrs. Reena Habil, Nursing Superintendent; Mrs. Jaibunnisha, Dy. Nursing Superintendent and Programme Coordinator for the GDA course; Mrs. Trishna Sarkar, Dy. Nursing Superintendent.

The ceremony began with a welcome by Mrs. Jaibunnisha, followed by self-introductions from the newly enrolled GDAs, highlighting the group’s diversity. Dr. Vandana Chauhan gave an overview of the course, emphasizing its significance. Dr. Hem Chandra Pandey, Dr. Sanchita Pugazhendi, Dr. D.C. Joshi, and Mrs. Reena Habil delivered motivational speeches, encouraging students to excel. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Solomon Thapaliyal.

This initiative is expected to strengthen the healthcare workforce in Uttarakhand by producing qualified professionals capable of addressing the increasing demand for skilled healthcare support across the region.

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International Endowed Chair Professor

Prof Rakesh Kumar

Prof Rakesh Kumar is the Founder and President of the Breast Cancer in Young Women Foundation (USA), dedicated to vaddressing the distinct issues affecting young women with breast cancer. He also serves as the International Endowed Chair Professor at the Cancer Research Institute of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences. Additionally, he holds adjunct professorships at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr Kumar earned his Ph.D. from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 1984 and began his research career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in January 1986. From 1988 to 2017, he held various academic and leadership positions —including faculty member, tenured professor, distinguished professor, endowed chair, department chair, and research leader—at esteemed institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. From 2017 to 2022, he served as the National Chair for Cancer Research for the Government of India and as a distinguished professor, continuing his innovative work in breast cancer research.

With nearly 40 years of research and professional experience, Dr. Kumar has made conceptual contributions to the field of cancer research (h-index 108, citations >50,000). He has authored over 325 peer-reviewed publications, edited or co-edited nine books, and delivered 290 invited lectures worldwide. His work has been featured on the covers of 18 major cancer journals and has been highlighted in institutional research reports of the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Kumar has guided 67 trainees throughout his career. He serves on the editorial boards of multiple leading cancer journals and has served on the editorial boards of 21 top cancer journals. His global reputation is further demonstrated by his participation in about 100 peer-review panels for cancer research funding in the US and internationally over the past 28 years.

Dr. Kumar's innovative research has earned him numerous prestigious honors, including the Hinkle Society Faculty Award at Penn State University (1994), the Dalla/Fort Worth Living Legend Faculty Achievement Award in Basic Sciences (2004), the Ranbaxy Research Award (2006), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Indian Scientists in Cancer Research (2013), among others. Dr. Kumar's pioneering research continues to have a profound influence on the fields of oncology and breast cancer, opening up new opportunities for biomedical scientists and trainees worldwide.