Goal 3: Good Health And Well Being

At MAHE (Manipal Academy of Higher Education), outreach activities and projects that engage the local community are essential for building strong, mutually beneficial relationships between the university and its surrounding areas. These initiatives aim to make a positive contribution to the community while offering students, faculty, and staff valuable opportunities to participate in meaningful real-world experiences outside the classroom. The outreach activities include community engagement, educational initiatives, and health and wellness projects, among others.

MAHE (Manipal Academy of Higher Education) plays a vital role in addressing the healthcare needs of the local community through a variety of outreach activities and health-related projects. These initiatives are led by the university's medical, dental, nursing, and allied health sciences departments. Their goals are to improve health outcomes, raise awareness about public health issues, and provide free or low-cost medical services to underprivileged populations in and around the Manipal region.

NASHA MUKT BHARAT ABHIYAAN (NMBA)

A Proposal for “Implementation of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in Udupi District by involving young leaders of MAHE” was submitted to the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The proposal was approved by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Even though the Abhiyaan started during COVID-19, most of the activities were conducted for students, staff, and residents of 10 identified villages in the Udupi District, and these were in accordance with the project proposal that was submitted to the Ministry.  As a result of this ongoing Abhiyaan, early detection of inclination toward substance abuse and subsequent support was possible. More than 150 Students were identified and transformed, and we could reach many students/residents of the identified villages.

Below are some of the results of the survey at the selected ten villages:

Innovative initiatives done through the campaign

• Inspirational messages from MAHE authorities and Heads of Various Institutions of MAHE

• Radio talks in English and Kannada

• Special Postal cover release to commemorate the project NMBA

• Articles writing

• YouTube Live of some awareness programs,

• Publicizing on Social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn

• Customized T-shirts, caps, and masks for volunteers

• Releasing 4 NMBA newsletters, which include all the activities conducted as part of NMBA

• Walkathon, which includes anti-drug slogans

• Slogan writing competition

• Nasha Mukt Bharath Abhiyaan’s signature at the end of every email.

• Peer support group: To identify the students having problems at an early stage

• Awareness program for caretakers: To identify the students at risk at an early stage.

The gist of the activities that were conducted is as given below.

• 2 webinars, 2 online talk series, and several competitions, such as Slogan writing, E-poster, boxing, and Elocution

• The release of impactful video messages from MAHE authorities.

• The training of 105 staff (TOT) and students (Peer Support Workshop) of MAHE on the repercussions of this deadly affliction.

• Several awareness programs, informative talks, group discussions, a Walkathon, a Survey of 20 villages, and Meetings with the local Govt bodies and NGOs to plan community outreach programs.

• Door-to-door visits and distribution of flyers.

•  Medical and Dental camps, Drama, dance, and street play at mass gathering places.

• Nasha Mukt Club at 14 institutions of MAHE

• Release of a special postal cover to commemorate the Abhiyaan in the presence of Ms. Radhika Chakravorthy, Joint Secretary Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt India.

• Awareness Program for the Inmates of De-addiction Camp at Dr. A. V. Baliga Memorial Hospital, Udupi.

• As part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav “Nashe se Azadi”, a variety of activities are being conducted at various institutions of MAHE (Newsletter attached).

• Organized a free Dental Treatment Camp at Rotary Bhavan Shankerpura on 11th June 2023.

• Organized an awareness program on the Effects of Drug Abuse for students of the college on 26th June 2023.

• Organized an awareness program on the Effects of Drug Abuse for students on 26th June 2023.

• Organized a district-level workshop on the theme Youth Against Drugs - a strategic intervention by KSLSA through NALSA – legal services to the victims of drug abuse and eradication of drug menace scheme, on 22nd July 2023,

• Conducted Orientation for newly joined students and induction program for first-year students – 17,860 students reached

• Organised a Dementia screening camp at Rotary Hall, Shankarpura on 22.09.2023

• Organised a Mental Health Awareness Run on 10.10.2023

• Organized a workshop, “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right,” on 11.10.2023.

• Release of 4 editions of the Nasha Mukt Newsletters.

NMBA Newsletter Links:

• Issue 4 ( hMAHENMB4 )

• Issue 3 (MAHENMBA3)

• Issue 2 (MAHENMBA2)

• Issue 1 (MAHENMBA1)

YouTube: Department of Student Affairs, MAHE, Manipal. 

Social media:  

Facebook - Studentaffairs Mahe  

Instagram - mahestudentaffairs  

Twitter - Department of Student Affairs, MAHE, Manipal. 

LinkedIn - Student Affairs MAHE  

NMBA Videos:

• Nasha Mukt Bharath Abhiyaan Activities Conducted by MAHE, Manipal
  https://tinyurl.com/3996kurt

• Community Visit and Distribution of Flyers
   https://tinyurl.com/NMUAVideos

• Special Postal Cover Release 
  https://tinyurl.com/NMUAVideos

• Manipura Grama Panchayat Visit 
  https://tinyurl.com/NMUAVideos

• Peer support Workshop Role of Students In making Udupi Nasha Mukt:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdGr0vNv2W0&t=2171s

• Training of Trainers 
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KafdVzM6tw&t=24s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLAGTGma-y0&t=27s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8awpvoICOg&t=1386s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya5IimrV1Ew&t=35s

• Webinar on Drug Abuse and Youth:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvwTnCbc-0o&t=1620s

• Talk Series # 1 Balancing Mental health During Covid pandemic and Repercussion of Substance Abuse:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcFrvdRrx4M&t=908s

• Talk Series #2 Decoding Indias Drug Laws:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_emuiExPBY&t=1234s

• International webinar
  >https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFBTtLGtX5k&t=340s

• Inspirational Messages by MAHE Leaders: 
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjvbMBO7ZjQ

  
  

Best Practice Monitoring:Frequent feedback were collected.

Total reach (in nos.)  through the campaign:

• People reached: 49033
• Youth reached:10,020+
• Women reached: 3755+

Summary of the Initiative:

The "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan" in Udupi District represents a constructive and proactive initiative in addressing the urgent issue of drug addiction. By establishing Nasha Mukt Clubs in 14 MAHE institutions and actively engaging in ongoing activities, this program demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering long-term positive change.

The introduction of peer support clubs plays a vital role in identifying students who may be facing challenges, enabling them to receive the support they need. These clubs are instrumental in organizing awareness programs that address significant topics related to substance abuse. The initiative’s outreach extends to housekeeping staff and caretakers in all hostels, ensuring a broad and inclusive approach that facilitates the early identification of students at risk.

Furthermore, the creation of a support framework post-project completion highlights a forward-thinking strategy, offering a sustainable resource for individuals seeking help with substance-related issues. This comprehensive approach not only enhances awareness but also cultivates a nurturing environment that actively works to combat drug addiction and promotes a healthier, drug-free society in India.

In summary, this campaign exemplifies a best practice by effectively integrating awareness, education, medical support, community involvement, and cultural activities to create a robust strategy for addressing drug addiction in a constructive manner.

Other Outreach Programmes of MAHE for the local/rural people.

1. Community outreach activities and medical camp

The Pharmacy Literacy Club (PLC), part of the Centre for Public Health Pharmacy at MCOPS, in collaboration with KMC Hospital Manipal, MCODS Manipal, and the Chosen Generation Charitable Trust, conducted a community outreach program on March 1, 2023. This event took place at the Adarsh building in Hoode, Udupi. The program included free general health check-ups and dental care, as well as educational sessions on the importance of personal hygiene and the proper use of antibiotics.

2. Training program on First Aid, BLS and CPR

   
   

   Kasturba Medical College (KMC), MAHE, Manipal, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority, the State Disaster Management Authority, and the State Fire Safety and Emergency Services Authority, organized a training program on First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for "Apatmitra" volunteers. This event took place at the Pragathi Soudha building of the Dharmasthala Village Development Organization in Ambalpady, Udupi. 

   
   

   "Apatmitra" is an organization comprised of volunteers from various backgrounds, including police personnel, home guards, and students from different colleges, who are trained in disaster management. The program was conducted under the guidance of the head and faculty members of the Department of Community Medicine and Emergency Medicine at KMC, MAHE, Manipal. 

   
   

   The training included hands-on instruction for "Apatmitra" volunteers by skilled personnel in CPR techniques. Approximately 100 volunteers attended the program, and similar training was also provided to local police officers in the community.

3. World Oral Health Day

   
   

   Inauguration of World Oral Health Day 2023 program at District Health Hospital, Udupi

Every year on March 20, World Oral Health Day is celebrate to encourage people around the world to make a promise to prioritize and improve their oral health and help reduce the burden of oral diseases, which affects individuals, health systems, and economies everywhere

MAHE launched a campaign with a theme which sends out a simple but powerful message of “Be Proud of Your Mouth”. This campaign is dedicated to raise global awareness of the issues around oral health and the importance of oral hygiene measure so that governments, health associations, health stakeholders, policy makers and the general public can work together to achieve healthier mouths and happier lives. 

Taking this initiative further, a series of programs from 17.03.2023 to 06.04.2023 were designed by the Department of Public Health Dentistry, MCODS, Manipal which included health awareness and promotion programs, involving inter-professional groups, oral screening and treatment camps in rural communities. 

These programs were held over a course of three weeks, which commenced from 17^th March 2023 at the District Hospital, Udupi which addressed the Nursing students. Dr. Vijayendra Vasanth, Senior Dental Practitioner, Udupi sensitised the students regarding the importance of oral health and the impact it has on the general health. The program threw light on the lack of oral health education among people in the Udupi District and the need for interprofessional partnership among dentist and nursing staff in enlightening the community regarding the importance of oral health and bridging the gap between community and oral health. 

Professor and Head from Department of Public Health Dentistry, MCODS, Manipal highlighted the need of a Dental Surgeon at every PHC which would create job opportunities for  dental professionals and also reach out to communities in remote areas and bring oral care closer to them. He also highlighted the need to interact with interprofessional groups and sensitize them adequately towards oral health issues. This program was followed by a free dental check-up and referrals for the patients.

Accessibility to oral health care in remote communities is a challenge due to distances or financial conditions, hence to reach out to such communities’ dental camps were organized along with health education and awareness, free oral health screening and treatment such as oral prophylaxis, restorations and extractions.  

On 19th March, a Dental treatment camp was held a primary health centre at Marwanthe, Kundapur. Through this program 113 people from the community were screened and treated for their oral conditions. An oral health talk was presented by Dr. Lahari Anand. Through this camp oral health education regarding oral hygiene care which they can practice and the treatment options they can avail was imparted. 

On the Day of World Oral Health Day, 20th March, a treatment camp was held at Community health centre Hebri. The community in Hebri were observed to have higher prevalence of chewing tobacco and betel quid, hence the crowd were sensitised regarding the harmful effects of tobacco and were counselled for the same. This initiative led to a few of the patients seeking information and help to quit. To inspire change from an early stage of life, health promotion and screening programs were organized at different locations. 

These programs commenced with school education and screening programs on 17^th March at Podar School and at SVS English Medium Nursery and Primary School on 25^th March. 

On 26^th March, a screening camp was organized at Bijapur colony, Udupi which is a construction workers residential  area. 31 children, women and men were screened and referred to MCODS for free treatment. An oral health education program was organized at Upendra Pai Memorial College for the students on 5^th March. The aim of these programs was to create awareness among the women studying the college regarding prevention of third molar infection and inspire them to take care of their oral health and overall well-being.

The program was concluded with a screening camp at MESCOM, Udupi on 6^th April 2023 in alliance with Kasturba Medical College, Manipal and Udupi District Surveillance Office, Udupi district, Karnataka State on the occasion of World Health Day. This platform led to a holistic screening of all the employees of MESCOM, where they were screened for both dental and general health.  It was observed during the screening that there is initiation of tobacco consumption at an early age in this line of work. This health initiative helped to counsel many employees regarding the harm of using tobacco and the need to quit this habit along with the needed dental screening and treatment. 

To reemphasize the importance between the oral health and systemic health connect, a detailed write up by Dr.Ramprasad V P, Prof and Head, Public Health Dentistry, MCODS, Manipal and Dr.Deepak Kumar Singhal, Associate Professor, Public Health Dentistry, MCODS, Manipal was contributed to the health website https://www.thehealthsite.com on the occasion of World Oral Health Day which was released that week online and was received well due to its content and clarity.

world oral health day 

Camps at various locations 

The Department of Public Health Dentistry at Manipal College of Dental Sciences in Mangalore organizes outreach programs to cater to the oral health needs of communities in and around Mangalore. The department has established 4 peripheral centers in areas like Kateel, Surthkal, Moodbidri, and Koyla, and has an active Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with St. Antony Charity Home in Jeppu. Additionally, the department conducts routine oral health programs for the residents of Prashanthi Nivas and White Dove Home.

Outreach programs-department of public health dentistry

Various oral health services, including screenings, check-ups, restorations, scaling, extractions, and replacement of missing teeth, are provided through a mobile dental bus. Preventive procedures like the application of pit and fissure sealants, topical fluorides, and Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) are also offered. Furthermore, the department operates a tobacco cessation center, offering screening, counseling for tobacco cessation, nicotine replacement therapy, and capacity-building initiatives. Geriatric Dentistry services are provided to the elderly, encompassing comprehensive check-ups, restorations, scaling, extractions, and replacement of missing teeth.

4. World Antimicrobial Awareness Week

   
   

   Public Evidence: Report on World Anti microbial AwarenessWeek-2022

On the occasion of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2022, the Pharmacy Literacy Club (PLC), Centre for Public Health Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, MCOPS conducted Antibiotiko’ 2022, a series of competitions and community outreach programs from 18 to 24 November 2022. As a part of the outreach program, school visits were conducted in Board High School, Udupi, Christ School, Manipal; and Green Park Central School, Hiriyadka on 21, 22, and 24 November 2022, respectively. The volunteers of PLC educated the school students on the judicial use of antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance, and its consequences. The students were also given health education on menstrual health and hygiene. The sessions were very informative and eye-opening for the school children. They even pledged to use antibiotics judiciously and to spread the message to all their friends and family.

5. World No Tobacco Day

   
   

Public Evidence:world no tobacco day-2023.

Department of Public Health Dentistry and Tobacco Cessation Clinic, Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS), Manipal, will observe World No Tobacco Day on the 31st of May; the theme will be ‘Grow food, not tobacco’. Tobacco consumption is an unhealthy coping mechanism for stress, leading to various health problems.

Awareness talk on the theme “We Need Food, Not Tobacco” on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day on Radio Manipal

Public Evidence: Radio Manipal Programme Awareness Talk by Dr Arathi Rao on the theme We Need Food Not Tobacco on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day May-31-2023.

6. TOBACCO CESSATION CENTRE, Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS), MANIPAL

   
   

The Tobacco Cessation Centre is an initiative of the Dept of Public Health Dentistry, in association with the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, MCODS, Manipal where tobacco cessation counselling is provided to patients who want to quit tobacco usage. The TCC is equipped with a Car-bon Monoxide breath analyser, A television with Wi-Fi router for counselling patients with infectious diseases like Tuberculosis and other respiratory tract illnesses along with information, resources and support for quitting the deleterious habit.

Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore has successfully launched a Tobacco Cessation Centre (TCC) at KMC Hospital Attavar, in line with the National Tobacco Control Programme's initiative to reduce tobacco-related diseases.

https://www.instagram.com/kmc_mangalore/p/DATQ-lDNnXF/?locale=nl&img_index=1 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhEdRM1Nd7Q 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lE3imMyiob8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MuTThIpErs&pp=ygU8ZGFpaml3b3JsZ  4oCd

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6dXcGKCNY0

7. Outreach services provided through the Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal

The department provides health services through postgraduates from various specialties and interns from KMC Manipal. The facilities offering these services are detailed below:

24/7 Services:

  - District Hospital Udupi (124 beds)

  - Maternal and Child Health Hospital Udupi (200 beds)

  - Taluk Hospital Kundapura (200 beds)

24/7 Community Health Centers:

  - Byndoor (30 beds)

  - Brahmavara (30 beds)

  - Hebri (30 beds)

  - Shirva (10 beds)

  - Kota (30 beds)

Primary Health Centers (PHCs) (operating from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM):

  - Malpe

  - Kumbashi

  - Udupi

  - Manipal

All these centers provide healthcare services to approximately 2,000 to 2,500 patients per day. In the year 2023, the total number of deliveries at these centers was 3,389, which included 1,696 cesarean deliveries.

The Department of Community Medicine has implemented the NMC-mandated Family Adoption Program, through which undergraduate medical students have adopted 3,217 families across six villages. The total population of these villages is 34738. Students visit these families periodically to assess their health status.

The Department of Community Medicine has been providing services through five Rural Maternity and Child Welfare (RMCW) Homes since the 1960s. These homes were established for active community participation at a time when the transport and communication network in the taluk was basic. The area covers a population of 40,000 spread across 11 villages in the coastal area of Udupi taluk. The network of five RMCW Homes located at Alevoor, Kaup, Malpe, Udyavara, and Kadekar villages not only provides maternal and child health services but also takes care of minor ailments in the community. The Malpe Centre initiated a Community Cancer Screening Clinic in 2012. Apart from Malpe, all the other centers provide screening facilities for non-communicable diseases. Additionally, the center conducts interdisciplinary activities with the Department of Physiotherapy, Psychiatry, and College of Dentistry.

Other Awareness programmes 

For the Disadvantaged people 

Refugee/immigrant communities

Photos related to Outreach Programms