Objectives of the Practice

To promote physical, psychological and social well being in women students

To organize awareness programmes on sanitation, personal hygiene for overall well being

To record basic height and weight of students and recommend appropriate action and free medical supplements (if necessary)

To organize lectures for awareness about health and wellness

To facilitate medical tests for students and other women from the neighboring villages

To promote sanitation, health and wellness for holistic growth of women students

The Context

Students studying in the institute generally come from the under privileged strata of rural society and are seen to be less inclined towards personal health. The institute, with the help of T B hospital, monitors and records the primary health parameters of all its students and organizes health and wellness programmes for the students and women from neighborhood community. The institute believes that proper education of women students cannot be fully achieved without tackling the social, developmental, awareness for prevention of HIV /AIDS, health and wellness issues from a gender perspective.

The Practice

The uniqueness of the practice, in the context of Indian Higher Education system, ensues from the fact that health and wellness have been prioritized for the holistic development of students. The idea gradually evolved after the peer team visit in 2014. The institute initiated to record the height and weight of all its students and in collaboration with T B hospital advised students about the importance of health and hygiene. Vitamin and Iron supplements are provided to the students on the recommendation of the doctors. Lectures on issues related to women’s health are arranged throughout the year in association with the Indian Red Cross Society, Red Ribbon Club, AAYUSH Foundation and T B Hospital. The importance of health and wellness is also propagated through rallies and residential camps in nearby villages. Over the last five years, thalassemia test for students and Mammography test for 280 rural women from nearby villages was facilitated through the NSS unit of the college. Students are provided sanitation pads at subsidized rates by the College Women’s Development Cell. Incinerator has been installed to maintain proper disposal of sanitary pads.

Evidence of Success

Students have become more aware of their personal health and hygiene. Increased number of students show willingness to attend health related lectures. Students are gradually overcoming the traditional taboo and inhibition by showing behavioral change leading towards better health. The success of the practice can also be gauged from the fact that 248 rural women have been facilitated for mammography examination, free of cost. The NSS officer and one volunteer were invited to Doordarshan to discuss the success of the practice. Their interview was telecast live on television.

Problems Encountered and Resources Required