Nagpur's Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) marked World AIDS Day with a significant series of events aimed at spreading awareness and combating stigma. The activities were aligned with this year's powerful global theme: "Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response." The institution's concerted effort focused on disseminating accurate information, debunking common myths, and underscoring the critical importance of both prevention and accessible treatment for HIV/AIDS.
Leadership and Participation in the Awareness Rally
The day's proceedings were spearheaded by a prominent awareness rally, which was officially flagged off by Dr. Raj Gajbhiye, the Dean of GMCH Nagpur. The event witnessed robust involvement from the hospital's senior faculty and administrative leadership. Key participants included Dr. Avinash Gawande, the Medical Superintendent, and Dr. Sunanda Shrikande, Head of the Microbiology Department.
Further adding weight to the initiative were Dr. Sunita Gajbhiye, Professor and In-charge of the HIV Laboratory; Dr. Atul Rajkondawar, Head of Pharmacology; and Dr. Kokate, Professor from Microbiology. The presence of Dr. Thakre, OSD of the Super Speciality Hospital, and Dr. Ashwini Patil, In-charge of the HIV Diagnostic Lab, highlighted the cross-departmental commitment. Staff and officers from the ART Centre, including Senior Medical Officer Dr. Mohammad Sohel Sheikh, along with faculty from the Nursing College, played an active role in the day's success.
Multi-Departmental Awareness Programmes and Street Plays
Across the hospital's Outpatient Department (OPD), various units under the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) conducted targeted awareness programmes. These included the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC), the State Reference Laboratory (SRL), the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Centre, the STD Clinic, and the Blood Bank. Their collaborative efforts ensured that accurate messages about HIV testing, treatment, and support reached a wide audience within the hospital premises.
In a creative and engaging approach to public education, nursing students and members of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) performed street plays. These performances effectively communicated vital messages about HIV prevention and control to patients, visitors, and the broader community, making complex information relatable and understandable.
Support and Broader Impact
The event received substantial organisational support from the Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society (MSACS), whose staff and officials were instrumental in coordinating the activities. This partnership between a major government medical institution and the state's nodal AIDS control agency amplified the reach and impact of the World AIDS Day message.
The comprehensive observances at GMCH Nagpur underscore a continued and vital public health mission. By combining leadership advocacy, departmental expertise, community theatre, and state support, the hospital reinforced its commitment to transforming the AIDS response—moving beyond mere awareness to fostering a more informed, supportive, and stigma-free environment for prevention and care in the region.
