NASI Jammu Chapter, JU host Health Awareness Program for Rural Women

The Jammu Chapter of the National Academy of Sciences India (NASI), Prayagraj, in collaboration with the Department of Botany, University of Jammu, and the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu, successfully conducted a one-day Awareness Program on Health Issues for Rural Women in Jammu. The event was organised at the Community Health Centre, Sohanjana , Jammu.

The program aimed to raise awareness among rural women about essential health issues such as nutrition, safe drinking water, hygiene, and pollution abatement. Under the “Science and Society” initiative, NASI organized this program specifically to empower women in rural areas of  Sohanjana, helping them understand the basics of personal hygiene and address health concerns. The event addressed the challenges many women face in openly discussing health issues due to societal taboos and lack of awareness.

Approximately 150 participants, including local rural women, ASHA workers, M.Sc. students, research scholars, faculty members from the Department of Botany, and staff from CHC Sohanjana, attended the program.

The event featured expert insights from prominent specialists, including Dr. Vijay Sharma, Block Medical Officer,  Dr. Suman, gynecologists and  Dr. Amandeep Kaur Anand, dental surgeons Dr. Deepak Khullar and Dr. Anuradha, ophthalmologists Dr. Navdeep Kaur and Dr. Jyoti Katoch, child specialist Dr. Sandeep Raina, surgeon specialist Dr. Abhineet Suri, and  Ms. Bhanu Priya, counselor. They addressed a variety of health issues affecting rural women, such as malnutrition, anemia, anxiety, osteoporosis, PCOS, oral health, cancers, and eye-related problems. The specialists provided personalized guidance and prescribed medications where necessary. Additionally, kits containing basic medicines were distributed to participants.

The program commenced with a formal welcome address by the event coordinator, Prof. Veenu Kaul. Prof. R.N. Gohil, Secretary of the Jammu Chapter of NASI, spoke about the societal role of the Academy and the significance of addressing health issues, particularly for women.

The formal vote of thanks was extended by Dr. Geeta and Dr. Romica Verma lead the event proceedings. The faculty members in attendance included Prof. Namrata Sharma, Dr. Harish, Dr. Sajan, Dr. Abhishek, Dr. Komal, and Mr. Azhar. At the conclusion of the program, the CHC staff and participating experts were felicitated in appreciation of their contributions.