Best public health practices of Himachal Pradesh demonstrated during field visit for 26th IPHMDP participants from 20 countries
Showcasing best public health practices of Himachal Pradesh to delegates of 20 countries
“Persistence is the key to transforming vision into reality. Sustained dedication to providing low-cost intradermal vaccines for rabies paves the way for its acknowledgment by World Health Organization and a rabies free World” said, Dr. Omesh Bharti, State Epidemiologist and Padma Shri awardee during the field visit of delegates from 20 countries International Public Health Management Development Program to Shimla namely Burundi, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Uganda, Morocco, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Sierra Leone, Kenya, South Sudan, Malawi, Argentina, Maldives, Ghana, Egypt, Somalia, Mozambique and Botswana. He shared his groundbreaking journey for acceptance of intradermal rabies vaccine by the governments, along with various cost-effective mechanisms for patients like its requirement of just one-tenth dose as compared to intra-muscular vaccine, vaccine pooling etc. He later highlighted his experiences of the One Health approach in the state like vaccination of rabid animals with similar doses as for human while maintaining effectiveness and development of antivenoms after undertaking snake profiling in the state.
Thereafter, the innovative practices in National TB Elimination Program like Nikshay Mitra Scheme, providing free ration for TB patients, drones for transfer of samples and drugs from far flung hilly places, and hand-held AI driven X machine for quick diagnosis by a health care provider were discussed. Then, Dr. Gopal Chauhan, State Program Officer, discussed Shimla’s progress toward becoming tobacco-free and innovative strategies for controlling non-communicable diseases in the state.
Delegates also experienced hands-on demonstrations in the Skill Lab at the Parimahal, State Institute of Health & Family Welfare, Shimla, emphasizing its mission to equip healthcare providers with essential tools and insights to improve health outcomes statewide, especially maternal and child health, which is a common problem for the participating countries.
The participants also visited Central Research Institute (CRI) Kasauli where Dr. Sanjay Kutty, Medical Officer and Dr Sanjay T Chavan, Assistant Director presented CRI’s achievements in setting benchmarks for vaccine production, biomedical research, quality control mechanisms, and public health initiatives through exemplary best practices, while maintaining good manufacturing practices. The participants also visited various facilities within the institute, including various skill development centres.
The (IPHMDP) celebrated a vibrant cultural night extravaganza in Shimla, underscoring the importance of field-based learning and cross-cultural exchange. “By immersing in diverse environments and engaging directly with different cultures, we not only deepen our understanding of global health issues but also foster a spirit of empathy and collaboration that transcends borders,” said Dr. Sonu Goel, Program Director and Professor of Department of Community medicine and School of Public Health, PGI Chandigarh. He underscored the importance of diverse learning mechanisms like field visits, gamification, storytelling, energizers, case-scenarios relevant to participating nations, which are more engaging for senior program managers than traditional learning pedagogy. Over the past eight years, more than 1,300 senior delegates from 87 countries have enhanced their skills through this flagship program of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
