| Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences | |
| Motto: | Right for Rightful Health Science Education |
| Type: | Government |
| Chancellor: | Governor of Karnataka |
| Vice Chancellor: | Dr. M. K. Ramesh[1] |
| City: | Jayanagara, Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| Country: | India |
| Campus: | Urban |
| Coor: | 12.9261°N 77.5925°W |
| Affiliations: | UGC, ACU |
Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), located in Bengaluru, India, is a public, affiliating university set up in 1996 by the Government of Karnataka, India, for the regulation and promotion of higher education in health sciences throughout the state of Karnataka. RGUHS is a member of Association of Commonwealth Universities, UK.[2]
It is the largest medical university in India.[3] [4] [5]
Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) was established in 1996 by the Government of Karnataka with the primary aim of promoting and regulating higher education in health sciences across the state. Prior to its formation, health science education in Karnataka was overseen by multiple universities, leading to a fragmented system with varying standards. Recognizing the need for a centralized body to ensure uniformity, quality, and progress in health science education, the Karnataka government passed the RGUHS Act in 1994, which came into effect two years later, formally founding the university.
Named in honor of Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, RGUHS was tasked with overseeing a wide range of health disciplines, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health sciences. This was a critical step in improving the quality of education and ensuring consistent academic and clinical training across affiliated institutions.
In March 2023, Government of Karnataka led by the then Chief Minister, Basavaraj Bommai, wanted to rename the university to Kengal Hanumanthaiah, which was met with resistance and eventually the prospect was scrapped.[6]