STEPS - Strengthening capacity building training for TB care and Prevention utilizing Nikshay Setu E platform.

Brief of the Pilot Project
The Ni-kshay SETU app was developed by experts from the Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar and the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Gujarat. The app aims to train healthcare staff using e-learning technologies, with the goal of scaling up to create a proficient workforce. Ni-kshay SETU is a comprehensive digital reference tool integrated with the existing TB patient program reporting platform, "Ni-kshay." It provides evidence-based, easily accessible learning materials, cadre-specific modules in local languages, and focuses on improving timely care-seeking, accurate diagnosis, and prompt treatment initiation. This e-platform was developed with the needs of healthcare providers at all levels of the healthcare system in mind.
The Department of Community Medicine from Subbaiah Institute of Medical Science, Shimoga, collaborated with the Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar to train interns using the Ni-kshay SETU app as a pilot project to evaluate its feasibility for scaling up.
Day 1. Inaugural Programme
The project commenced with an inaugural program on 22 June 2024 at the college council hall of SUIMS via Zoom.
The program was attended by various esteemed guests, including Dr. Shivayogappa JD for TB, Dr. Anil Dy D, TB, Dr. Raghunandan, Sr sp. TB NTEP, Dr. Nirmala Sr. Sp TB,DoHFW, GoK, Dr. Harsh Shah IIPHG, Dr. Saurab Kumar, STF Karnataka, Dr. Latha R Telang, ED, Dr. Nandakishor Lahoti, Dean, Dr. Siddalingappa CM Principal, Dr. Vinayaka G MS, Dr. Balu PS Prof and HoD, Regional TB task force Chair, South Zone, Dr. Sujith H, and Dr. Shashikala N, nodal officers for TB, and faculty of the Department of Community Medicine from SUIMS. The program began with a brief outline of the project, features of the application, and the utility of the project in building the capacity of the interns addreesed by all the speakers.
The program was attended by various esteemed guests, including Dr. Shivayogappa JD for TB, Dr. Anil Dy D, TB, Dr. Raghunandan, Sr sp. TB NTEP, Dr. Nirmala Sr. Sp TB,DoHFW, GoK, Dr. Harsh Shah IIPHG, Dr. Saurab Kumar, STF Karnataka, Dr. Latha R Telang, ED, Dr. Nandakishor Lahoti, Dean, Dr. Siddalingappa CM Principal, Dr. Vinayaka G MS, Dr. Balu PS Prof and HoD, Regional TB task force Chair, South Zone, Dr. Sujith H, and Dr. Shashikala N, nodal officers for TB, and faculty of the Department of Community Medicine from SUIMS. The program began with a brief outline of the project, features of the application, and the utility of the project in building the capacity of the interns addreesed by all the speakers.
The training for the interns started on 9 July 2024 after obtaining the required permissions and mobilizing the interns. They were briefed on the purpose of the training, features of the application, and how to navigate it. The interns then registered, a pretest was conducted, and they were given 4 days to complete the modules. A total of 136 interns participated in the program.
Results of the Pretest
• 7% of the participants scored more than 90% marks.
• Most participants (61%) scored 60-90% marks.
• 32% of participants scored less than 60% marks.
Day 3. Certificate Distribution
A post-test was conducted for all the interns who had registered for the Ni-kshay SETU training program on 13 July 2024. The program concluded with certificate distribution to all the interns who had secured a passing score of 60% or more in the post-test.
Results of the Post test
• Most participants (72%) scored more than 90% marks,
• 28% of the participants scored 60-90% marks.
The concluding program was attended by Dr. Shivayogappa JD for TB, Dr. Raghunandan, Sr Sp. TB NTEP, Dr. Nataraj, DHO Shimoga, DoHFW, GoK, Dr. Nagendra S, Medical Director, Dr. Latha R Telang, Executive Director, Dr. Siddalingappa CM Principal, Dr. Vinayaka G MS, Dr. Balu P S Prof and HOD, Regional TB task force Chair, south zone, and Dr. Shashikala N, nodal officer for TB and faculty of the Department of Community Medicine from SUIMS.

World Health Day-2024

The World Health Day was obeserved on 4th April 2024 by the department of Community Medicine.
The programme was based on theme “My Health My Right”. The program was addressed to III MBBS students.
Activities on 4th April 2024

• Formal function was held at Lecture Hall 08, SUIMS, Shivamogga in the presence of Dr. Vinayak Bhat, Professor & Medical Superintendent, SUIMS; Dr. Shivamurthy, Professor & Vice-Principal, SUIMS; and Dr. Harsha Kumar H N, Professor & In-charge HOD, Department of Community Medicine, SUIMS.
• The programme began with an invocation song by Ms. Keerthana, and all the dignitaries inaugurated the function by watering the plant.
• The Department of Community Medicine, in the presence of all dignitaries, launched the Health Card as a part of the Family Adoption Programme (FAP). This card will be issued to families adopted under the FAP initiative.
• Dr. Shwetha T M, Additional Professor, Department of Community Medicine, addressed the benefits of the Health Card.
• Dr. Vinayak Bhat briefed the students on FAP and the importance of the Health Card.
• A health talk was given by Dr. Harsha Kumar H N on World Health Day, focusing on health care coverage, issues, and challenges across the country.
• Dr. Shivamurthy emphasized the importance of Community Medicine and field activities to the students.

World Heart Day-2024

The Department of Community Medicine observed the World Heart Day 2024 with the theme “Use Heart for Action” on 30 September 2024 by organizing the following events:
1. A vibrant ‘Zumba Dance’ session aimed at promoting physical fitness and well-being was organized for all the faculties of SUIMS & SIDS, in the Practical Hall, Department of Community Medicine, SUIMS, Shivamogga at 10.30 am to 11.30 am. Dr. Lata R Telang, Executive Director (ED), emphasized the significance of physical activity for heart health and inaugurated the programe. Dr. Akshatha Okade, Associate Professor, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sharavathi Dental College and Hospital, Shivamogga facilitated the activity. Dr Vinaya Srinivas, Executive Director (ED), Dr. Vinayaka G, Dean , Dr Siddalingappa CM, Principal and approximately 40 faculties from various departments participated in the Zumba Dance.
2. SHAPE program—"Screening for Heart Print and Cardiac Assessment using Smartphone-Based Evaluation" from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM in the Auditorium, SUIMS, Shivamogga.
The Philips Heart Print application, designed for comprehensive cardiac assessment through smart phone technology was launched by Dr Lata R Telang, Dr Vinayaka G, Dr Siddalingappa CM. The app measures heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure to determine heart age by generating Heart Print/Beat score. This was followed by Dr. Bhagyashree Kathari assistant professor, providing an in-depth explanation of the app's functionality and Mr. Sujith from Philips Innovations addressed participants' queries. Nearly 90 faculties registered for the SHAPE programme.
Dr. Manjunath A Phasalkar, Cardiologist at maAx Hospital Shivamogga, discussed current cardiac risk factors and highlighted the importance of preventive strategies for enhancing cardiac health.
Both events successfully engaged faculty members in physical activity and raised awareness about cardiac health, fostering a culture of wellness within the institution.

WORLD SIGHT DAY -10TH OCTOBER 2024 THEME- “CHILDREN LOVE YOUR EYE”

Every year on October 10th, World Sight Day is observed by the WHO to raise awareness about blindness and the importance of eye care, particularly focusing on promoting eye and vision health. This year, the theme is "Children, Love Your Eyes," which highlights the importance of child eye health. The message emphasizes that eye health services should be accessible, available, and affordable for all children.
World Sight Day also provides an opportunity to dispel myths about vision and work towards eliminating the social stigma associated with wearing spectacles or other corrective measures. Regular eye and vision checks can help detect problems early.
WHOeyes, a free app, allows users to test their vision conveniently from home. Dr. Balu P.S. and Dr. Anupama K. delivered a talk on World Sight Day to ASHA workers and the RBSK team. They also provided training to ASHA Workers and RBSK team on using the WHOeyes app and the ClickCheck device as tools for screening refractive errors in school children and the community. at District Training Office, Shivamogga

Health check-up Camp conducted at Gandhi Park

In view of World Stroke Day, a general health check-up camp was organized and conducted by the Department of Community Medicine in collaboration with Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (KaBHI), District Health & Family WelfareDepartment and Indian Medical Association Shivamogga at Gandhi Park on 29/10/2024. A talk was given by renowned athlete Mrs. Ashwini regarding the healthy habits for healthy living along with the importance of physical activity as part of our daily routine.
Health check-ups were conducted by the staff and interns of the Department of Community Medicine. They were assisted bymedico-social workers, nursing students and KaBHI team. A total of 57 beneficiaries were examined. Anthropometric measurements of all the individuals were taken and Body Mass Index (BMI) was noted.Also, their blood pressure was recorded and random blood sugar estimation was done using Glucometer.
Of the 57 beneficiaries examined, 14 of them had elevated blood pressure, 10 of them had elevated random blood sugar levels and 34 of them had BMI above normal range. 13 of them were overweight and 18 of them were obese with 3 of them having class III obesity.

Breast health screening-2024

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women today. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in every 12 women have the risk of a breast abnormality. Early diagnosis is very critical to decrease mortality rates.
NIRAMAI, have developed a novel artificial intelligence-based medical device to detect breast cancer at a much earlier stage than traditional methods or self-examination. Its a low cost, accurate, automated, portable cancer screening tool that can be operated in any clinic. Our imaging method is radiation free, non-touch, not painful and works for women of all ages.
Thermalytix is computer aided diagnostic device works on the principle of artificial intelligence .It identify the hotspot and vasularity region and gives the results based

World Diabetes Day-2023

The World Diabetes Day was obeserved on 16th and 17th November 2023 by the department of Community Medicine.
The programme was based on theme “Know your risk, Know your response”. Further concentrated on early detection of diabetes and its prevention.
Activities on 16th November 2023

• Formal function was held at hospital lobby, SUIMS,Shivamogga in the presence of Dr.Krishna Prasad, Dean, SUIMS, Dr.Mohammed Imran, Professor & Head, Depatment of Community Medicine, Dr.Harsha Kumar H N, Professor, Depatment of Community Medicine
• The programme was inaugurated by watering the plant and Dr.Krishna Prasad sir addressed the gathering
• Followed by their was a photo session & releasing of World Diabetes Day photo frame by the dignitaries.
• Followed by their was a photo session & releasing of World Diabetes Day photo frame by the dignitaries.
• Screening camp was held at hospital lobby between 11.30am to 1pm for the general public
• A total 40 general public got screened with IDRS (Indian Diabetes Risk Score) & random blood glucose levels.

Screening Report

• The general public health with GRBS >126mg/dl, were sent to General Medicine OPD for further treatment and follow up will be done

Audience

• General Public attending the OPD’s at hospital lobby
• 3rd year MBBS students posting A batch(1-50)

The following members from the department of Community Medicine participated in the programme Dr.Mohammed Imran, Dr.Harsha Kumar H N, Dr.Shwetha T M, Dr.Bhagyashree Kathari, Dr.Anitha B P, Dr. Divakar Naik S , Mr,Ravi Naik, Mrs. Rashmi D and Mrs.Neelavathi,Interns posted to the department.
Activities on 17 th November 2023 at Thunganagar, PHC, Shivamogga

• World Diabetes Day-2023 also observed at Tunganagar PHC, Shivamogga
• A health talk was given by Dr.Bhagyashree Kathari to general public regarding life tyle modifications, helathy diet & focussed on physical activity
• Dr.Bheemappa M S , Medical Officer of Tunganagar PHC, addressed the public regarding why diabetes day is celebrated, its burden in our country & how regular medications will help in treating the disease.
• A total of 25 general public got screened with GRBS & IDRS(Indian Diabetes Risk Score) was done

Screening Report

Audience
General Public attending the OPD at Thunganagar, PHC,Shivamogga
The following members from the department of Community Medicine participated in the programme Dr.Bhagyashree Kathari, Interns posted to department, Mrs.Bhagya & Mr. Praveen D

World AIDS Day-2023

World AIDS Day is celebrated on 1st December 2023.
On this event a quiz competition was held on 6th December.
This programme was intended to create awareness among the communities especially among college students according to the theme of the year 2023 “Let Communities Lead”.
Activities on 1st December 2023
• Formal function was held at Govt.First Grade College, Bapuji Nagar, Shivamoga, in the presence of Dr.Mohammed Imran, Professor & Head, Department of Community Medicine, Mr.Channappa B G, Principal, Govt. First Grade College, Dr Divakar Nayak Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Mrs.Mangala, District Supervisor VCTC Mcgaan Hospital, Shivamogga, Dr. Reshma, Govt. First Grade College.
• The whole programme was anchored by Manoj D P, student, Govt. First Grade College
• The programme was inaugurated by watering the plant and prayer by ArshiyaSiddiqa, student, Govt. First Grade College
• Welcome speech was given by Mandara H K, student,Govt. First Grade College
• A speech on National Program on AIDS/HIV was given by Mrs. Mangala, District Supervisor VCTC Mcgaan Hospital, Shivamogga
• A quiz competition was hosted by Dr Anitha B P on behalf of dept. of Community Medicine, Subbaiah Institute of Medical Science. And few questions were asked by Mrs. Mangala also.
• There were 3 sessions and 1st session was MCQ’s followed by direct question rounds. 24 students participated, who were divided into 6 teams from A-E who were enroled for the quiz. Rest of the students were audience.
• Quiz was followed by a speech on awareness on HIV/AIDS by Dr Divakar Nayak, Assistant Professor, Subbaiah Institute of Medical Science.
• Then the 1st prize was given to C team members by Mr.Channappa B G, Principal,Govt. First Grade College and Mrs. Mangala, District Supervisor VCTC Mcgaan Hospital, Shivamogga
• Participant certificate was given to all participants by Dr.Mohammed Imran, Professor & Head, Department of Community Medicine
• The event was winded up at 1.30 by presenting token of thanks to Mr. Channappa B G, Mrs. Mangala, Dr.Divakar Nayak S and Dr. Reshma
The following members from the department of Community Medicine participated in the programme Dr.Mohammed Imran, Dr. Shashikala N, Dr.Bhagyashree Kathari, Dr Anupama K, Dr.AnithaB P, Dr.Divakar Naik S, Mr.Ravi Naik P, Mr.Praveen D, Mrs.Bhagyavathi and Interns posted to the department.

UG teaching
FAP

Department Library was established in 2013.This library has collection of books related to public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, environment, preventive medicine, health policy and other text books of Community Medicine. It provides access to departmental staff members, students and Interns.

Community Medicine museum is educational resource, offering a platform to explore the evolution and scope of public health for the undergraduates. The museums display historical, artefacts, models, charts, specimens, instruments, and audiovisual materials that showcase the development of healthcare systems, epidemiological milestones, and public health interventions.
Through exhibits on sanitation, nutrition, and communicable disease control, one can get insights into how public health initiatives have shaped and transformed communities health status over a period of time. The museum also provides information and insights about current public health challenges and innovations. By connecting historical perspectives with contemporary issues, such museums inspire action and advocate for community involvement, promote a deeper understanding of the role of public health in achieving societal well-being.
These are invaluable tools for medical students, healthcare professionals, and the general public which helps in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. The displays on topics like health promotion, social determinants of health, and sustainable healthcare practices, encourages the visitors to indulge into discussions about its relevance and application related to improving their health status. Health campaigns, and guided tours of the museums is organized for school students to emphasize the importance of preventive medicine and community-based interventions
The museum has the following thematic areas:
1. Concepts of health, disease, epidemiology and research methodology
2. International health agencies and its role
3. National health programmes ( communicable disease, NCDs, maternal and child health, water and sanitation, health education)
4. Environmental and occupational health
5. Nutrition
6. Medical entomology

“ Strengthening TB Response In Villages For Achieving END -TB -2025”
The conference "Strengthening TB Response in Villages for Achieving END-TB-2025" brings together stakeholders to enhance grassroots TB control. It focuses on community engagement, capacity building integrating TB services into village healthcare systems, promoting innovation, advocating for supportive policies, and establishing effective monitoring.
The goal is to accelerate progress towards eliminating TB by 2025, aligning with the WHO's End TB Strategy.