World Health Day was celebrated at Kasturba Hospital, Sewagram, on April 7th, 2024, under the theme "My Health My Right" for the 76th World Health Day. The theme is chosen to champion the right as well as the responsibility of everyone, everywhere to enhance access to quality health services, health education, and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination. The hospital organized a series of activities:
WHO Program at Kasturba Hospital premises
In the hospital premises, the nursing staff, nursing students, and attendants organized a WHO Day program across various departments, including Medicine, Surgery, MCH Wing, Casualty, Radiotherapy, and Palliative Ward, actively participating in disseminating patient rights and responsibilities concerning their health needs. Mrs. Mangala Thakare, Assistant Matron, delivered an introduction and elaborated on the theme "My Health My Right." Posters displaying health-related messages adorned the premises, and slogans advocating for health, cleanliness, healthy diets, physical activity, and good health habits were prominently displayed. Health education sessions were conducted for patients and their relatives, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
A skit performed by the staff nurses in the Mother and Child Health Wing addressed the cessation of unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and tobacco chewing, underscoring their adverse effects on health. The program successfully disseminated awareness and knowledge about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing illnesses. "It made me reflect on our own habits and the importance of making healthier choices for ourselves and our loved ones. This event has sparked a newfound commitment to prioritize health and well-being in our family," said a relative of the patient who attended the program.
Cyclothon to promote awareness against NCDs
Kasturba Hospital and Sanjeevani (a student-led organization at MGIMS) organized the “Pedal Away NCDs: Ride for Health” cyclothon to raise awareness about the role of exercise and a healthy lifestyle in curbing the menace of Non-communicable diseases in India. A total of 56 faculty, staff members, nurses, residents and undergraduate students participated in this awareness campaign. The participants paddled for 25 km covering nearby villages, displaying their banners and posters. The slogan for the event was “साइक्लिंग चा प्रवास -आरोग्यचा संघर्ष - बी.ई.एस.पी. शुग् र चा नाश”. Dr O P Gupta (Former Director Professor of Medicine, MGIMS) flagged off the event from the hospital entrance at 5.30 AM. Dr Anupama Gupta (faculty coordinator), Mrs Shaily Jain-Kalantri (facilitator), Dr Atul Tayade, Dr Pramod Jain, Dr Ashwini Kalantri, Dr Hindol and Sanjeevani organizers: Ms Akshaya Mehta, Mr Nikish Kumar, Ms Sanchita Singh, Mr Abhijeet, Ms Tina Kolhe amongst several others were in prominent representatives of MGIMS, Sevagram.
“Even simple daily physical activities like running, walking, cycling or even playing outdoor games can have a great impact on decreasing the risks of Non-communicable diseases”, said Dr Anupama Gupta, an avid cyclist and Head of Pathology, MGIMS.
Shri Dhirubhai Mehta (President, Kasturba Health Society) and Shri PL Tapadia (Vice-President, Kasturba Health Society) expressed their commitment to providing health equity and accessibility for all. "Through such initiatives, Kasturba Hospital and MGIMS continue to demonstrate their dedication to advancing healthcare and empowering individuals to make informed choices about their well-being”, shared Dr Poonam Shivkumar Verma (Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital) and Dr AK Shukla (Dean, MGIMS).
“In recognition of our institute’s contribution to improving maternal, and child health, WHO has recognized us as a WHO Collaborative Centre for research and training in community-based Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health”, said Dr BS Garg (Director, Dr Sushila Nayar School of Public Health and Secretary, Kasturba Health Society).
Please find the photographs of the events attached.