Understanding that previous batches of students did not necessarily fulfil one of the main objectives of the Medical College – which was to serve the health needs of medical underserved areas of our country, the Governing Board enlisted the 30 students from the Batch of 1973 to be the first to sign up for the Rural Service Scheme. From that year onwards students were required to sign a bond committing to serve in rural parts of the country and hence the common categorisation of these students as “rural bonders” came into vogue.

Every year approximately 75% of the students start the Social Obligation Service in one of the 350 approved centres. Sixty percent them complete at least 2 years of rural service. Over the years we have approximately 20% permanently serving in these underprivileged areas.

From February 2020, Dr. Bobby Joseph (Professor of Community Health) has been appointed as Vice Dean- Community Outreach. He coordinates the postings of the students as they complete their internship and also keeps in touch with the centres where they go on to work.