World Health Day 2026 Celebration

Theme: Together for Health: Stand with Science

Date: 07.04.2026

Time: 09:30 AM – 01:30 PM

Venue: Lecture Hall – 5, Third Floor, Medical College, SRMC & RI

To commemorate World Health Day 2026, a programme was organized by the Department of Community Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute.

The programme was presided over by faculty members from the Department of Community Medicine and the Department of Community Health Nursing. The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Dr. T.S. Selva Vinayagam, Former Director of Public Health, Tamil Nadu, and witnessed active participation from undergraduate students of Medicine, Nursing, and Ward Technician courses, postgraduate students, and faculty members from the Department of Community Medicine.

The session commenced with an introductory address by Dr. Meriton Stanly, Professor & Head, Department of Community Medicine, who highlighted the significance of World Health Day and the relevance of the theme “Together for Health: Stand with Science.” He also introduced the Chief Guest by elaborating on his distinguished contributions and achievements in the field of public health. The Chief Guest was felicitated by Dr. Meriton Stanly, Dr. Pankaj B. Shah, and Dr. Anitha Rani.

As part of the programme, an elocution competition was conducted for MBBS students, who participated enthusiastically and showcased commendable communication skills and awareness on public health topics.

The Chief Guest, Dr. T.S. Selva Vinayagam, emphasized the theme “Together for Health: Stand with Science” as a call for collective responsibility in addressing public health challenges. He highlighted the rising burden of non-communicable diseases and the need for early detection, continuous care, and community-based interventions such as the MTM programme. He stressed the importance of the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. The significance of evidence-based practice and the need to combat misinformation were strongly underscored. He also advocated a shift from hospital-based care to preventive, community-oriented healthcare supported by technology. The address concluded with a call for coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to build a healthier, science-driven society.

Following the keynote session, prizes were distributed to the winners of the essay writing and elocution competitions, recognizing and encouraging student participation and excellence.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Anitha Rani, Professor, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, faculty members, and participants for their valuable contributions in making the event a success.