JAMMU: Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) Jammu on Saturday organized a One-Day Training Programme on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) for Medical Officers and Medical College Doctors. The training programme was conducted with the objective of strengthening disease surveillance systems, enhancing real-time and accurate reporting of priority diseases and improving early warning and response mechanisms across healthcare institutions in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The programme was formally inaugurated by Dr. Abdul Hamid Zargar, Director Health Services Jammu.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Zargar emphasized the pivotal role of a strong and responsive disease surveillance system in safeguarding public health. He highlighted the importance of timely and accurate disease reporting, effective utilization of the Integrated Health Information Platform and strengthened inter-sectoral coordination for prevention, early detection and control of disease outbreaks. He further stated that the integration of digital platforms such as IHIP has significantly enhanced the capacity of the health system to respond promptly to emerging and re-emerging public health threats.

Earlier, Dr. Narinder Bhutial Medical Superintendent Government Hospital Gandhinagar welcomed the participants and underscored the need for continuous capacity building of Medical Officers and Medical College faculty in the areas of epidemiology, surveillance and outbreak management. He emphasized that regular trainings and skill enhancement of healthcare professionals are essential to ensure effective implementation of national public health programmes at all levels of healthcare delivery.

A detailed keynote address on Disease Surveillance Programme was delivered by Dr. Harjeet Rai, Epidemiologist/State Surveillance Officer (SSO–IDSP).  Dr. Rai elaborated on the objectives, operational framework and functional significance of IHIP, highlighting its role in strengthening disease surveillance, improving data quality and facilitating real-time analysis for evidence-based public health decision-making across the Union Territory.

The technical sessions comprehensively covered various critical components of disease surveillance including the roles and responsibilities of reporting units under IDSP, principles and objectives of surveillance and early warning and response systems, the current status and priority areas of IHIP implementation, laboratory support and reporting mechanisms under IDSP as well as basic concepts of epidemiology and outbreak investigation.

The sessions aimed to enhance both conceptual understanding and practical skills of the participants for effective surveillance and response at institutional and field levels. The Technical sessions were delivered by a penal of expert faculty comprising Dr. Bhavna Langer, Associate Professor, Government Medical College Jammu; Dr. Shehnaz Chowdhary Medical Officer Epidemiology, Dr. Prem Lata Medical Officer Epidemiology; Ajay, State Microbiologist IDSP and Dr. Simran Nag, State Epidemiologist IDSP.

The resource persons shared their technical expertise, field experiences and best practices, which enriched the learning experience and facilitated meaningful interaction with the participants. The training was attended by Dr. Ila Gupta, Assistant Director Schemes, Directorate of Health services Jammu, BMOs, District Health Officers and Medical Officers from all districts of the Jammu division.

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In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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