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SRINAGAR: On the occasion of World Health Day 2026, the Department of Community Medicine, SKIMS Medical College & Hospital Bemina organised a comprehensive programme combining academic discussions with community outreach initiatives, in line with the global theme “Together for Health, Stand with Science.” The activities highlighted the institution’s continued commitment towards strengthening evidence-based healthcare and promoting preventive health awareness at the grassroots level.
The institutional academic programme was held at the college auditorium under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Ashfaq Ahmad Bhat, Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, who also served as the Organising Chairperson, while Prof. (Dr.) Fazlul Qadir Parray, Principal, SKIMS Medical College & Hospital, Bemina, was the Patron of the event.
In his address, Prof. (Dr.) Fazlul Qadir Parray emphasised the growing importance of scientific evidence and ethical medical practice in addressing emerging public health challenges. “The observance of World Health Day reminds us that strong healthcare systems must be built on scientific evidence, ethical medical practice and collaborative engagement across disciplines. Initiatives that promote awareness, prevention and early intervention are vital for ensuring better health outcomes and strengthening public trust in healthcare institutions,” said Prof. (Dr.) Fazlul Qadir Parray.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Ashfaq Ahmad Bhat, who highlighted the significance of the global theme and underscored the role of community medicine in bridging the gap between clinical science and public health awareness.
The academic session featured expert talks and a panel discussion by distinguished faculty members including Dr. Yasmeen Jan (Associate Professor, Community Medicine), Dr. Muzaffar Naik (Associate Professor, General Medicine), Dr. Sameera Imran (Associate Professor, Pharmacology) and Dr. Nizam-ud-Din Dar (Associate Professor, Psychiatry). The deliberations focused on the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, rational healthcare strategies and strengthening preventive approaches in tackling contemporary health challenges.
A poster competition for undergraduate students was among the major highlights of the programme, encouraging innovation and awareness on key public health issues. The entries were evaluated by an expert panel comprising Dr. Sieqa Shah (Associate Professor, Obstetrics & Gynaecology), Dr. Shams ul Bari (Associate Professor, General Surgery), Dr. Afiya Shafi (Professor & Head, Pathology) and Dr. Syed Arshi (Professor & Head, Microbiology).
The final winners Mehdiya Javid Shah (First Prize), Nayeema Amin (Second Prize) and Amman Shuja (Third Prize) were felicitated for their commendable contributions and creative presentations. As part of its outreach program, the department also conducted a community awareness programme at Lawaypora School, aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle practices, preventive healthcare awareness and early identification of common health concerns among school children.
The outreach programme began with introductory remarks by Dr. Beenish Mushtaq (Associate Professor, Community Medicine), who highlighted the importance of developing healthy habits from an early age. An interactive session by Dr. Fahd Bukhari, Senior Resident, focused on healthy lifestyle practices and nutritional anaemia, effectively engaging students through discussion-based learning.
Students of Class 10th also participated in a panel discussion on the growing burden of cancer, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session. Simultaneously, general physical examinations of students from Classes 4th and 5th were conducted by Dr. Altaf along with team members Dr. Sanjeeda (Intern) and MBBS student Krishna Sahu. A dental screening for the same group was carried out by Dr. Ishtiyaz (Dental Surgeon), emphasising the importance of oral hygiene and regular check-ups.
The programme concluded with an informative session on menstrual hygiene by Dr. Najma, Senior Resident, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, for students of Classes 5th and 6th. The session was conducted in a sensitive, age-appropriate manner aimed at promoting awareness and removing stigma around adolescent health issues.
The overall event reaffirmed the commitment of the Department of Community Medicine, SKIMS Medical College & Hospital, Bemina, towards promoting scientific temper, strengthening evidence-based healthcare practices and encouraging active student participation in public health initiatives, in line with the broader objective of building a healthier and more informed society.
