CHANDIGARH,19.03.24-In a groundbreaking initiative, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh commenced with a four-day Management Development Program tailored specifically for Vector-Borne Disease Consultants of the National Health Mission (NHM) of Odisha. The program, which began on 19^th March and runs until March 22, 2024, aims to equip 25 state and district consultants from Odisha with a comprehensive understanding of vector-borne diseases and enhance their leadership skills for effective decision-making in their respective work environments.

Dr. Sonu Goel, Program Director and Professor at the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER Chandigarh, underscored the significance of this unique leadership initiative, affirming it as a model program with potential for replication nationwide. He emphasized, "The program officials have decent technical skills but lack leadership and management skills. The currect program shall catalyse the leadership skills among program manager to perform at optimal level in their settings” he said. Prof Madhu Gupta, PGIMER took intercative session on gap analysis and planning through a contextual dataset of Odisha which made them understand application of Logical Framework in framing objective, startegies of the program. Dr. Kritika Upadhyay, Program Coordinator highlighted the program's objective to bolster management and leadership capabilities. This enhancement aims to enable consultants to make well-informed decisions while also elevating their technical competencies in combating vector-borne diseases at the district level, she said.

The 4 dayprogram, designed specifically for NHM Odisha, focuses on critical areas such as gap analysis, GIS-based vulnerability mapping, monitoring and evaluation, communication, time management, and leadership skills enhancement. Renowned experts including Dr. S K Chadha, Former Director, UBS, Punjab University; Mr. Vivek Atray, Motivational Speaker, Dr. Madhu Gupta, Professor, PGIMER; Dr. Ravindra Khaiwal,Professor, PGIMER; Dr. PVM Lakshmi,Professor, PGIMER; Dr. Amarjeet Singh, Former Professor and Head, Department of Commumity Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER and Mr. Nazatinder Singh, State Entomologist, Punjab are facilitating the sessions, ensuring participants receive comprehensive insights and practical knowledge.

Participants will engage in interactive sessions, practical demonstrations, leadership games and field visits to various sites including the PHC Boothgarh for Malaria Survey and Mohali Urban area for Dengue and Chikungunya Survey for strengthening their understanding of vector-borne diseases program. The program's teaching pedagogy also includes diverse learning techniques such as case studies, panel discussions, role-playing, video presentations, and gamification. Upon completion, participants will develop action plans tailored to their respective districts based on the knowledge gained during the program.