World Rabies Day observed at Doda with Educational Outreach

DODA, SEPTEMBER 28: The Department of Community Medicine Government Medical College Doda and ANMT School Observed World Rabies Day 2024 under the theme “Breaking Rabies Boundaries,” aiming to raise awareness about rabies prevention.

The event at GMC, guided by Principal Dr. Rakesh Bahl, attracted healthcare professionals, community members, and students, all united to spread crucial knowledge about this preventable disease.

The program featured educational workshops on rabies transmission, symptoms, and prevention, led by Dr. Suresh Kotwal, Head of the Department of Community Medicine and Incharge Anti-Rabies Clinic. He emphasized the importance of education in combating rabies, stating, “Education is key to stopping rabies. We want everyone to know how to protect themselves and their pets.” Students from the second prof MBBS and Nursing College Doda played an active role in raising awareness by engaging patients at the Anti-Rabies Clinic and OPD through informative posters and direct interactions.

Faculty members, including Dr. Walied Balwan (Assistant Professor), Dr. Arjun, Dr. Nayer, Dr. Asif, Dr. Falak (Demonstrators), and Dr. Anzar Majeed, JR in Anti-Rabies Clinic, made valuable contributions to the event’s success. The Medical Superintendent, Dr. Tanveer Rather, was commended for his support and logistics, which were instrumental in making the event a success.

Similar activities were conducted at RHTC and UHTC under the Department of Community Medicine, where volunteers engaged the community through outreach efforts, distributing pamphlets, and addressing questions about rabies prevention.

The event received positive feedback from the community, reinforcing the importance of vaccination and responsible pet ownership, with GMC Doda reaffirming its commitment to promoting health and safety towards a rabies-free future.

Meanwhile, the District Health Society, through the IDSP Unit, observed World Rabies Day 2024 at ANMT Doda under this year’s theme, “Breaking Rabies Boundaries,” to raise awareness about rabies and its prevention. The event, held under the guidance of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Om Kumar, saw participation from the staff of the CMO Office as well as students and staff of ANMT Doda.

Dr. Anzar Majeed, Incharge of the Anti Rabies Clinic AH GMC, served as the Guest Speaker and emphasized the importance of raising awareness about this fatal yet preventable disease. He discussed the transmission, signs, and symptoms of rabies, highlighting that it is a viral infection posing a serious threat to public health worldwide.
Dr. Anzar stressed that rabies is 100% fatal but also 100% preventable through timely vaccination.

District Epidemiologist, Umar Anayat, in his welcome address, outlined the objectives of observing World Rabies Day, urging the community to take action against the disease by promoting responsible pet ownership and ensuring vaccinations. A question-and-answer session was also conducted, allowing participants to engage and clarify their queries, which were addressed by the Guest Speaker.

Similar awareness programs were held across all Medical Blocks of the district to mark the day. The program at ANMT Doda was attended by officials including Jahangir Mehta (DPM NHM), Sanjeev Rana, Saima Kouser, Rubina Ishtiaq, Shashi Bala, Roma Sharma and Faizan A Tramboo.