Mandya: Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot on Monday underscored the growing importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and translational research in addressing complex healthcare challenges, stating that the future of health sciences lies in integrating knowledge and technologies across disciplines.Inaugurating an international conference on interdisciplinary approaches in health sciences at the BGS Educational Institutions campus in Bellur, Nagamangala, hosted by Adichunchanagiri University, he said effective healthcare solutions can no longer emerge from a single-discipline approach.Recalling the nearly 1,800-year legacy of the Adichunchanagiri Mutt, the governor lauded its contributions to education, healthcare, social equality and nation-building. He paid tribute to the late seer Balagangadharanatha Swami for his pioneering work in education and community service, and praised the current pontiff, Nirmalanandanatha Swami, for steering the institution towards excellence in higher education, scientific research, healthcare delivery, skill development and social welfare.Highlighting the rising burden of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, infectious diseases and mental health disorders, he said collaboration among experts in fields including medical sciences, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, public health and engineering is essential for developing innovative healthcare solutions. He noted that advancements in artificial intelligence and big data analytics are transforming healthcare by enabling early diagnosis, accelerating drug discovery and improving disease prognosis. Citing the rapid development of vaccines during the Covid-19 pandemic, he said the achievement demonstrated the power of interdisciplinary cooperation among scientists, clinicians, biotechnologists, statisticians and policymakers.He added that integrating traditional practices such as Ayurveda and yoga with modern medicine could pave the way for more holistic and effective healthcare systems.Medical education minister Sharanaprakash Patil, former minister and MLA N Cheluvarayaswamy, vice-chancellor KN Ganesh and registrar SN Sridhara were present.
