Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer) commissioned an internet radio app to disseminate health related information among patients and the public.
Jipmer Director S. Vivekanandam formally launched the ‘Jipmer Internet Radio App’ recently, following the completion of a state-of-the-art HD TV Studio.
The studio along with new digital display systems have been developed with the help of Broadcast Engineering Consultant India Ltd (BECIL), a Government of India organisation under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
Dr. Vivekanandam said Jipmer was planning to include a ‘Dial-a-Doctor’ service on the app which would allow the public to clarify their doubts or discuss aspects of a health issue with a specialist doctor.
Jipmer is also engaging HoDs, faculty and staff to record talks on a range of topics to generate content to be aired on Jipmer’s Internet Radio. According to Dr. Ravi Kumar Chittoria, chairman of ‘JIPMER Community Radio,’ the BECIL projects were initiated in 2017.
The services are provided free of cost to patients, attendants and the public.
Free download
The ‘Jipmer Internet Radio App’ can be downloaded for free from ‘Google Play Store’ for Android devices and the ‘App Store’ for Apple (iPhone) devices including smartphones, tablets and laptops. Besides, a link/icon is available on Jipmer’s web site to access internet radio programmes. In case anyone misses a programme, the recorded programmes can be heard through the app.
Community Radio
Jipmer has also applied for ‘Community Radio Licence’ at the Kariakal campus with the help of BECIL, Dr. Chittoria said.
BECIL Chairman and Managing Director George Kuruvilla termed the launch of the facilities as a historic moment as Jipmer was the first Government medical institution in the country to start an Internet radio and a TV studio services.
Dr. R.P. Swaminathan, Dean (Academic), outlined the advantages of these services. Listening through internet radio was better than reading for understanding various health issues, he added.
Medical Superintendent of Jipmer Dr. Badhe said the digital signages also played an important role in providing information regarding the department’s activities, services and health education programmes to visitors. Over 100 ‘digital display systems’ have been installed on the campus.
Member Secretary of Jipmer Community Radio Dr. Mahalakshmi also participated in the event.
