 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 25: The District Health Society Jammu, under the chairmanship of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Harbaksh Singh, successfully conducted a one-day training session on the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP) for Female Multipurpose Health Workers (FMPHWs). The program was organized by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer Jammu in collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services Jammu and the National Health Mission (NHM) J&K.
Held under the leadership of Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary, Health and Medical Education, J&K, and supervised by Dr. Rakesh Magotra, Director, Health Services Jammu, the training saw participation from FMPHWs representing all nine health blocks and Jammu Urban, administered under the District Jammu framework.
The training focused on critical aspects of the NRCP, including the management of animal bite cases, pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis, and the timely administration of anti-rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin to prevent the deadly disease. Resource persons Dr. Deepika Dewan (MD, Community Medicine) and Dr. Mehak Gupta (District Epidemiologist, NHM) led the session, which featured technical presentations, case studies, and hands-on exercises aimed at enhancing skills in disease surveillance and management.
In his address, Dr. Harbaksh Singh highlighted the pivotal role of peripheral health staff in promptly managing animal bite cases to prevent rabies, noting that while the disease carries a 100% mortality rate, it is entirely preventable with timely intervention. He also stressed the importance of a robust inter-sectoral approach to tackle the challenges faced at the ground level.
Key dignitaries, including Dr. Poonam Sethi (Dy. Director Schemes & Dy. Director Dentistry), Dr. Sanjay Sharma (State Tuberculosis Officer), Dr. Jyoti Jolly (Controller Stores), Dr. Ritesh Khullar, Dr. Kiran Kailu (State Venereologist), Dr. Jitendra Kour (Divisional Nutrition Officer), Dr. Simmi Verma (Assistant Director HEB), and Dr. Samina Nazir (District Health Officer, Jammu) were also present, contributing their insights on the effective implementation of NRCP.
The successful training underscores the commitment of the District Health Society Jammu to strengthen the capacity of frontline health workers in preventing and controlling rabies in the region. |
