Sona Devi University organized a series of events on the occasion of National Week to highlight the role of health professionals in vaccination advocacy. The main program, held at the university’s Vivekananda Auditorium, was attended by Mr. Dharmendra Singh, a member of the Jharkhand State Council, as the chief guest. Mr. Singh is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Council of India and the President of the Singhbhum Pharmacists Association.
On this occasion, Mr. Dharmendra Singh shared his views on the topic of Transforming Health Professionals into Advocates of Vaccination. He stated that since the COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals are now permitted to administer injections. Considering the crucial role they played during the pandemic, this decision was taken. Highlighting the objectives of the National Week, Mr. Singh emphasized that health professionals should work towards spreading awareness about vaccines among the public. He advised that Sona Devi University should enhance its capacity for better training and suggested establishing a Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra within the university premises, which would provide students practical opportunities to engage in vaccination advocacy.
On the occasion, Sona Devi University’s Chancellor, Mr. Prabhakar Singh, stated that the university is continuously striving for excellence. Efforts are being made to ensure the holistic development of students. In alignment with government policies, IK S classes are conducted to build character among students, enabling them to contribute honestly to society and emerge as responsible citizens capable of making meaningful contributions socially, culturally, and educationally.
The University Registrar, Prof. Dr. Gulab Singh Azad, mentioned that students organized several awareness programs during the week to educate the public about the important role of health professionals. Under the leadership of Principal Sudhanshu Shandilya and other faculty members, students visited the Community Health Center in Musabani, where they received detailed information about vaccine storage and usage from Dr. Vinay Kumar. Dr. Azad encouraged students to pursue quality education and fulfill their societal responsibilities whenever given a chance.
Various competition winners were awarded certificates during the event. The program began with the lighting of the lamp followed by Ganesh Vandana and concluded with the national anthem. Students showcased their creativity through cultural performances and participated in activities such as quiz competitions, poster-making competitions, and field and hospital visits—all emphasizing the growing role of health professionals as advocates of vaccination.
National Week is celebrated every year in India during the third week of November under the leadership of the Indian Association. The objective of the week is to raise awareness among the public and healthcare providers about the role and contributions of health professionals. The theme for 2025 is “Healthcare Professional: A Bridge between Physician and Patient.” The purpose of celebrating this week is to highlight the vital role of health professionals and their transformation into strong advocates of vaccination.
