World Health Day marked with health camps, awareness drives

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 7: A series of awareness programmes, health camps and interactive activities were organized across educational institutions in Jammu and adjoining areas to promote preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyles and mental well-being, to celebrate World Health Day.
At MIER College of Education, the Extension Unit conducted a comprehensive outreach programme at Jinder Khurd village in Block Bishnah. Organized in collaboration with Directorate of AYUSH and Government Ayurvedic Hospital, Jammu, the initiative combined a free health camp with a sensitization lecture.
A medical team led by Dr Nalini Sharma, Medical Officer, along with Vipan Khajuria, provided healthcare services to residents. Around 24 students from the School of Education and School of Social Sciences and Humanities actively participated. During the camp, general health screenings were conducted, revealing that 85 individuals were suffering from conditions such as anemia, diabetes and gastric issues.
Free medicines and immunity kits were distributed to beneficiaries. The initiative not only addressed immediate health concerns of villagers but also sensitized students to community healthcare needs, encouraging them to play an active role in promoting public health awareness and service-oriented learning.
Meanwhile, Government Degree College Ramgarh marked the occasion with a blend of awareness and engagement activities aimed at promoting holistic well-being among students. The programme, organized by the Department of Physical Education and Sports under the guidance of Principal Prof (Dr) Meeru Abrol, aligned with the global theme “Together for Health: Stand with Science.”
Ashok Kumar, Head of the Department, delivered a detailed lecture highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing balanced nutrition, regular exercise and mental fitness. To enhance student participation, indoor sports activities including carrom and chess were conducted, drawing enthusiastic involvement. Faculty members also attended the event and encouraged students to adopt healthy daily habits and maintain discipline in their routines.
The programme concluded on an interactive note, with students expressing renewed commitment towards physical fitness and mental well-being, reinforcing the importance of integrating healthy practices into everyday life.
At GDC Thanamandi, an awareness programme focusing on substance abuse prevention and mental health was organized under the supervision of Principal Prof (Dr) Shamim Ahmed Azad. The initiative was jointly conducted by the Health Care Committee, College Wellbeing and Anti-Substance Cell (CWASC), Institution Innovation Council (IIC), and Primary Health Centre Thanamandi.
Farzana Bhat, a professional counsellor and external CWASC member, served as the resource person and elaborated on the adverse effects of substance abuse, urging students to make informed and healthy social choices. Dr Meenakshi Sharma, Convener IIC and internal counsellor, emphasized the role of educators in supporting student well-being, while Dr Nazakat Hussain, Nodal Officer CWASC, highlighted the link between dietary habits and brain health.
The programme witnessed active participation and aimed at equipping students with knowledge and awareness to make healthier lifestyle decisions while addressing growing concerns around mental health and addiction.