AMU Marks World Health Day with Symposium, Awareness Initiatives and Academic Achievement

 

Prof. Syed Mohd. Safdar Ashraf in presence of Prof Athar Ansari and Dr. S. K. Rasania presenting the memento to Prof Mohd Gulrez during the World Health Day with Symposium and Awareness Initiatives 

AMU Marks World Health Day with Symposium, Awareness Initiatives and Academic Achievement

ALIGARH, April 7: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) observed World Health Day with a series of academic and awareness activities, including a regional symposium organised by the Faculty of Unani Medicine and a plantation drive by the Department of Physiology, J.N. Medical College.

The regional symposium, held on the theme “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” was organised in collaboration with the Indian Integrated Community Health Association (IICHA), bringing together eminent academicians and health experts to deliberate on contemporary public health challenges.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Prof. S. K. Rasania, Director, Lady Hardinge Medical College, emphasised the need to adopt evidence-based scientific practices and move away from myths and misconceptions in healthcare. He outlined the “ABCD of Health” framework, Awareness, Belongingness, Commitment and Discipline, stating that these principles are essential for building a responsible and health-conscious society.

Presiding over the session, Prof. Mohammad Gulrez, former Vice Chancellor, AMU, highlighted emerging challenges in the healthcare sector, noting the increasing demand for quality healthcare and the need to strengthen infrastructure, particularly in view of a growing elderly population. He stressed the importance of cultivating a scientific temperament and rational outlook to meet future health needs.

Guest of Honour Prof. Asfar Ali Khan, OSD to the Vice Chancellor, underlined that health must be viewed holistically, encompassing human, animal and environmental well-being. Prof. Mohammad Athar Ansari, Dean Students’ Welfare, reinforced this perspective, emphasising the interdependence of human, plant and environmental health, and highlighted the critical role of food safety and water sanitation in preventing diseases.

Earlier, Prof. Syed Mohd. Safdar Ashraf, Dean, Faculty of Unani Medicine and Organising Chairman, highlighted the role of scientific collaboration and technological advancements in transforming healthcare, while Prof. Badrudduja Khan, Principal, Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, stressed the need to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare, particularly for economically disadvantaged sections.

The academic session featured an invited lecture by Prof. Moinuddin, Department of Biochemistry, JNMC, who discussed the future of healthcare through the integration of artificial intelligence, genomics and alternative medicine systems, with a focus on precision medicine and early diagnosis.

The programme was conducted by Dr. Saba Zaidi and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ammar Ibne Anwar.

On the occasion, the Department of Physiology, JN Medical College, also organised a plantation drive, where Prof. Mohd. Aslam and Prof. Gul Ar Navi Khan planted saplings, highlighting the importance of environmental sustainability for public health.

Faculty members, staff and students appreciated the initiative and highlighted the importance of such activities in fostering environmental responsibility within the academic community.

The programme concluded with a message emphasising that small steps like plantation can collectively contribute to a healthier ecosystem and a better