University launches health education lecture series

It aims to promote knowledge about common diseases and health conditions among the general public

Prof. S. C. Parija, Vice-Chancellor, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, at the launch.

The Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV) has launched a public health education lecture series, ‘Arogiyam Arivoam’.

Prof. S. C. Parija, SBV Vice-Chancellor, inaugurated the initiative at the Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (MGMCRI).

In his remarks, Prof. Parija pointed out that the series would highlight emerging problems in the community such as public health issues, emotional/mental health, environmental health and substance abuse prevention.

The initiative has been designed to bring about awareness and to advance the knowledge of public health measures to help implement the most effective strategies for health promotion.

“The goal of public health education is based on the premise that educating the public, policymakers and workforce professionals is fundamental to ensuring an effective public health system” he said.

Dedicated team

A dedicated committee of professionals from areas of health, allied health and nursing care have been constituted to coordinate the smooth conduct of the lecture series comprising two sessions per month (at 2 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays).

M. Ravi Shankar, Dean, MGMCRI, Prof. Saravanakumar, Principal, Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, Prof. Renuka, Principal, Kasturba Gandhi Nursing College, Prof. Seetharaman, Chairperson, Public Health Education Committee of SBV, and other faculty members of SBV participated in the event. According to a press note from SBV, public health education focuses on helping groups of people, whether they are a small community or a large population of people. The work of public health educators is accomplished through the development and implementation of educational campaigns and programmes that are designed to promote healthy environments, habits, and behaviours.

The lecture series aims at promoting knowledge about common diseases and health conditions among the general public apart from educating patients and care givers. Following the launch, the first session was held on oral hygiene under the auspices of the Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, a constituent college of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth.

An exhibition on oral hygiene was also organised for the participants. Around 100 people from nearby areas of Pillaiyarkuppam participated, the note said.