CHANDIGARH,05.07.24-The Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health at PGIMER, Chandigarh,in collaboration with the Health Equity Action Learnings Foundation (HEAL) and the NationalAcademy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), New Delhi, hosted a comprehensive five-dayQualitative Research Workshop from June 30 to July 04, 2024. Aimed at bridging the gapbetween theoretical knowledge and practical application in qualitative research methodologies toadvance health equity and community building, the workshop saw the participation of 35attendees from across India and Nepal.

The workshop commenced with an introduction to the foundations of qualitative research,covering paradigms, interdisciplinary approaches, and developing research questions.Participants were then familiarized with research designs, sampling methods, and data collectiontechniques, emphasizing the role of qualitative research in promoting health equity andcommunity advancement. The final sessions provided guidance on writing research manuscripts,submitting to peer-reviewed journals, and tips for thesis writing.Led by experts including Dr. Manmeet Kaur, Dr. Venkatesh Chakrapani and Dr. Rajesh Kumar,the workshop featured interactive sessions, group exercises, and discussions designed to enhanceparticipants; understanding and application of qualitative research methodologies.

The workshop was overseen by Course Director Dr. PVM Lakshmi, Professor at PGIMER,Chandigarh, Organising Secretary Dr. Vineeth Rajagopal, AssistantProfessor at PGIMER,Chandigarh, and Course Coordinator Dr. Guneet Singh Assi, Senior Program Manager at HEALFoundation, Chandigarh.