Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS), in collaboration with the WHO Collaborative Centre for Research & Training Community Based Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (RMNCAH), SWOGS, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Loni, NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, and New Era Mother and Child Hospital, Nagpur, organized a two-day workshop titled ‘Swayam - Art of Natural Birthing.’ The workshop aimed to promote midwifery and respectful care, ensuring positive birthing experiences for mothers.

The inauguration of the workshop held on 2nd May 2024, distinguished dignitaries including Chief Guest Dr. Pushpa Chaudhary (Team Lead, RMNCA-H, WHO India office and alumni of MGIMS), Shri PL Tapadia (Vice-President, Kasturba Health Society), Dr BS Garg (Secretary, Kasturba Health Society and Chair WHO collaborative center, MGIMS), Dr. AK Shukla (Dean MGIMS), Dr. Poonam Shivkumar Varma (Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital and Director Professor, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MGIMS), Dr. Shuchi Jain (Professor and Head, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MGIMS), Dr. Anupama Rao (Advisor Clinical Services and Training, Jhpiego), Dr. Poonam Goyal (Chairperson, Safe Motherhood Committee, FOGSI), and Mrs. Lakshmi Viswanatha (Manager Midwifery, Aastrika Foundations).

Dr. Shukla welcomed all participants and emphasized upon MGIMS’s role as India’s first nodal centre for NMTI. Dr. Chaudhary, in her address, highlighted the need for respectful maternal care and collaboration opportunities with MGIMS. “This workshop is just the beginning. We have a long way to go”, Dr Pushpa said. Shri Tapadia underscored the institute's commitment to reducing maternal mortality and promoting midwife-led healthcare. Dr. Garg emphasized, "The midwives are not dais but qualified nurses as per the International Midwife Confederation.” He also spoke about the challenges associated with the implementation of midwife-led care in India.

Many participants including medical faculty, private practitioners, residents, nursing students, and nursing staff from different parts of Vidarbha participated in the workshop. The workshop covered a range of topics such as digitalized arc partography, WHO Labour Care Guide and ideal labor rooms, alternate birthing positions, non-pharmacological methods of pain relief, and more. Distinguished experts including Dr. Deepti Shrivastava, Dr. Pramod Kumar, Dr. Kshama Kedar, Dr. Shilpa Raut, Dr Deepa Gupta, Dr Bangal, Dr Ritu, Dr Anuja and Dr. Ujwala Mogre lead the scientific sessions. The workshop involved hands-on training at skill stations focusing on obstetric triaging, midwifery-led care unit setup, birthing tools, natural birthing demonstrations, and feedback sessions. On 3rd May, coinciding with International Midwifery Day, participants visited the Midwifery Care Led Unit at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department MGIMS, and engaged in discussions on respectful care practices. 

“The workshop promises to be a significant initiative in advancing midwifery and ensuring respectful care for mothers during childbirth”, said Dr Poonam Varma.

Kasturba Health Society successfully observed Swachhta Pakhwada, a fortnight-long cleanliness drive, from April 1st to April 15th, 2024, across Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS), Kasturba Hospital, Kasturba Nursing College, Kasturba Nursing School, and its community centers and adopted villages.

During this period, a diverse range of activities took place in hospitals, departments, and community centers. These initiatives encompassed Swachhata Abhiyan, Swachhata Pledge, demonstrations on handwashing and personal hygiene, cleanliness drives in villages and school premises, and informative sessions on sanitation and environmental cleanliness. Additionally, sessions addressing addiction, anti-spitting, anti-tobacco, and single-use plastic were conducted by students and staff. The institute's active participation extended to their weekly shramdan activities.

Faculty, staff, nurses, and students actively engaged in the swachhata pakhwada activities. Hospital wards, hostels, offices, and auxiliary services underwent meticulous cleaning, ensuring the disposal of unwanted items and fostering a hygienic environment. The institute promoted World Health Day during the Pakhwada by hosting a 25 km cyclathon to Madni village, raising awareness against Non-Communicable Diseases. The nursing staff and students engaged with patients and their relatives within the hospital premises on WHO Day, focusing on the theme "Giving people access to healthcare without the prospect of financial hardship" through informative talks and visually engaging posters.

“Swachha Bharat Mission is our collective responsibility towards ensuring a clean and healthy environment for generations to come”, said Dr BS Garg (Secretary, Kasturba Health Society) while emphasizing the importance of sustaining the momentum generated during Swachhta Pakhwada. He encouraged continued collaboration and engagement to ensure that the principles of cleanliness and hygiene remain ingrained in our daily practices.

01/04/2024 - Swachhata Pledge at Kasturba Nursing College

01/04/2021 - Swachhata Abhiyaan at Kasturba Nursing School

01/04/2024 - Making of Ecobricks by Sanjeevani (Students' group) using plastic wastes

02/04/2024

06/04/2024 - Celebration of WHO day on 6 April by Kasturba Nursing School

06/04/2024 - Swachhata Abhiyaan by MBBS Students

06/04/2024 - Swachhata Abhiyaan at Ekurli

07/04/2024 - Cyclathon for promoting awareness against NCD by Sanjeevani (Students' group) on the World Health Day

Shramdan in Engineering Section

Shramdan in Engineering Section

Shramdan in Engineering Section

Shramdan in Engineering Section

Shramdan in Engineering Section