‘World Health Day’ observations

Aligarh: Experts discussed ways of keeping people of all socio-economic strata, safe and healthy from the raging pandemic and the necessity of following simple healthy habits such as the right nutrition, keeping hydrated, doing physical exertion and sleeping well during an online workshop organised by the Department of Tahaffuzi Wa Samaji Tib (Preventive and Social Medicine), Faculty of Unani Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University-AMU to mark the ‘World Health Day’ on the theme, ‘Building a Fairer, Healthier World’.

Attending the programme as the Chief Guest, AMU Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof Zaheeruddin spoke about the health advocacy and community awareness on health issues.

He invited health workers and people from normal walks of life to join the World health Organisation (WHO) campaign to build a fairer, healthier world.

Asserting why it is important to join the campaign, the Pro Vice Chancellor said: “The campaign will bridge the gap between the rich and poor as far as access to health facilities are concerned”.

“As Covid-19 has hit all countries hard, it is imperative that we call upon leaders to ensure that everyone, irrespective of status, is living and working in conditions that are conducive to good health,” said Prof Rambha Pathak (Dean, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida).

She was first expert speaker of the session.

Prof Rambha further spoke about ways to tackle inequities in health care by creating awareness, collecting reliable data for health planning and putting in all efforts for the supply of vaccine, tests and treatment.

The other expert speaker, Prof Urmila Devi Bhardwaj (Dean, School of Nursing Sciences and Research, Greater Noida) spoke on the global health issues.

She called for equal attention to communicable and non-communicable diseases, while stressing that the rich countries must help the poorer nations to combat health issues.

Prof Abdul Haseeb Ansari (National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bengaluru) spoke on the classic Unani Medicine texts and maintenance of health during the pandemic.

Prof F S Sherani (Dean, Faculty of Unani Medicine) said that the pandemic has made people understand that the prevention of a disease is better than cure.

“It is hoped that the policymakers will make the right attempts for efficient universal health care for the rural and underprivileged,” he added.

In the welcome address, Prof Rubi Anjum (Chairperson, Department of Tahaffuzi Wa Samaji Tib) discussed various programmes on health problems like polio and Hepatitis B and academic events to mark Constitution Day and Fit India Movement conducted by the department.

Dr Abdul Aziz Khan (Convener of the workshop) conducted the programme. Dr Ammar Ibne Anwar (Organizing Secretary) extended the vote of thanks.

Prof Saud Ali Khan (Principal, A K Tibbiya College, AMU), Prof Suboohi Mustafa, Prof Mohd Anwar, Prof SM Safdar Ashraf and Dr Mohammad Aslam attended the programme.