State-Level Dissemination Workshop Conducted by RUHSA Department
The Rural Unit for Health and Social Affairs, CMC Vellore organised a state-level dissemination workshop with a photo-exhibition on 17th August 2024 in Chennai; on the theme: Photovoice Study on Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD) Patients and a Stride Towards Policy.
Two community-level dissemination programmes were organised at Kilalathur on 1st August and in Latheri on 8th August. Photo exhibitions titled; Life Experiences of People Living with Chronic Respiratory Disease were a part of these events, which were covered by the local media outlet The New Indian Express. These exhibitions and workshops aimed to raise awareness about chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) and to inform policy through a multi-country collaborative research initiative titled; Understanding the Views and Experiences of People Living with Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD): An Adapted Photovoice Study.
Objectives of the exhibitions and workshops:
The dissemination workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Solomon Sathishkumar, Principal, CMC Vellore. Dr. Jerard Selvam, Additional Director of National Health Mission, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu; Dr. A. Somasundaram, Additional Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Government of Tamil Nadu; Dr. Nancy Glori, Professor of Respiratory Medicine from MMC Chennai; Dr. Chitrasena, Director of Health Services of Thirupathur; Dr. Rita Isaac, Director of Population Research in Karkinos Health Care and former Senior Professor at CMC Vellore; and Dr. Richa Gupta, Professor & Head of Respiratory Medicine, CMC Vellore, attended the state level dissemination workshop along with doctors and health personnel from RUHSA Department.
The background and results of the photovoice study were presented by Dr. Biswajit Paul, the Principal Investigator, followed by a detailed presentation on the study’s methodology by Dr. Sangeetha, the Co-Investigator. As part of the session, video stories showcasing the experiences of two patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) were shared, featuring personal narrations from the patients themselves.
This was followed by an engaging discussion between policymakers, administrators, and the RUHSA team, focusing on CRD policy in Tamil Nadu and the use of photovoice as a compelling advocacy tool for raising awareness and influencing policy decisions.
A consensus was reached to develop a guidance document and recommendations for a CRD policy in Tamil Nadu. This document aims to provide a strategic direction towards forming policies that enhance the quality of care and support for individuals suffering from chronic respiratory diseases.
Latheri Village – 08th August 2024:
The dissemination was inaugurated by Mr. Ravichandiran, the Block Chairman of K.V. Kuppam Block, followed by an address from the Principal Investigator on the photovoice study. Mrs. Jaya Murugesan, The councillor of Latheri; Mr. Mohan, The President of Latheri; Mr. Selva Kumar, The Vice President of Latheri; and Mr. Vishwanathan, The Govt. Clerk of Latheri, along with Mr. Murali, the School Correspondent of Sri Ramakrishna Primary & Nursery School in Latheri attended the workshop. School students and community members also took part in the workshop. They were shown video stories with the patient narration about living with chronic respiratory illnesses. The block chairman and the president of Latheri gave their feedback about the workshop at the end of the programme.
