Ahmedabad University is enhancing human and planetary health through advances in interdisciplinary research and education. It aims at creating a bigger social impact by achieving a synergy between education, research, and social implications for a healthier, more equitable world.
On January 10, 2024, the University launched the Sahyog Centre for Promoting Health, a collaborative effort between the University's School of Public Health and the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) to 'Inspire sustainable healthy changes.' The centre aims to improve health locally, nationally, and globally through sustainable action and empower individuals and communities to take charge of their health and inspire others, creating a domino effect. Marking the centre's opening, the ceremony comprised panel discussions and expert sessions.
"The centre extends beyond improving healthcare. It encompasses approaching healthcare through research, sustainable practices, and empowering citizens with information. People must know the difference between healthcare and profiteering, avoid unnecessary treatment, and take a step towards preventive healthcare," said Professor Kaumudi Joshipura, Dean, School of Public Health, Ahmedabad University, at the centre's launch.
“Institutional interventions will help make a positive change. I sincerely hope that the collaboration will be impactful and we will work together towards inclusive and sustainable solutions for the wellbeing of the informal sector,” said Manali Shah, National Secretary of SEWA.
Sahyog, meaning collaboration, true to its name, will harness the institutions’ combined strengths in epidemiology, health promotion, research, training, community empowerment, and outreach to enhance the healthcare sector.
Professor Pankaj Chandra, Vice Chancellor of Ahmedabad University, said, "This joint initiative is important for the larger benefit of society achieved through education, research, and activity. It will help us gain the position to change and impact the lives of the underprivileged."
The centre emphasises the learner and the community's role in making the initiative successful, especially among the deprived. Besides, the centre will also take several initiatives to empower people with information, advocate health promotion, and prioritise evidence-based cost-saving, no-cost or cost-effective interventions, among many others.
"This first-of-its-kind institutional partnership between a University and an NGO can accomplish a lot of work on prevention, undertake research, gather data, work with government bodies such as AMC, and take it forward to bring a positive impact,", said Dr Sujatha Rao, former Union Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, while emphasising on the key pathways for health promotion at the launch.
The inaugural brought together experts to discuss on the current health hazards such as lifestyle diseases, the need for physical activity and clear, precise, focused messages on preventing diseases.
These experts include Dr Sunny Swarnkar, Deputy Assistant Director General, Non-Communicable Disease (NCD), Dte. GHS, MoHFW; Sudha Vasudevan, Senior Scientist and Head, Department of Foods Nutrition and Dietetics Research, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation; Dr Rajendra Gadhavi, Assistant professor, B. J Medical College and International Consultant, WHO, Ahmedabad; and Dr Sameer I. Dani, Honorable Cardiologist to H.E. the Governor of Gujarat, CEO – Apollo – CVHF Heart Institute (Ahmedabad), and Director, Department of Cardiology (Apollo Hospitals, Gandhinagar).