Dr. Cherian Varghese Visits BCMCH NRC-NCD for Empowering Communities towards Global NCD-SDG Goals

December 26, 2023

Dr. Cherian Varghese, Acting Director of Healthier Populations & NCDs at the WHO-SEARO, recently called on the medical community to become ambassadors for empowering communities towards achieving the Global NCD-SDG Goals by 2030. He addressed the faculties and students of Believers Church Medical College Hospital in Thiruvalla, where BCMCH Manager and Senate Member of Kerala University of Health Sciences, Rev. Fr. Sijo Pandapallil, presided over the meeting. The Director & CEO of BCMCH, Prof. Dr. George Chandy Matteethra, NRC-NCD Executive Director Mr. Johnson J. Edayaranmula, Dean of Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Jacob Jesurun, HOD of Microbiology Prof. Dr. Renu Mathew, and Vice Principal Dr. Abel K. Samuel also spoke at the event.

The National Resource Centre for NCDs at BCMCH Campus was delighted to receive a visit from Dr. Cherian Varghese, Acting Director of Healthier Populations & NCDs at the WHO-South East Asia Regional Office. During his visit, he toured the NRC Office, the Research Lounge, the NCD Cluster Focal Points, and the NRC Recreation Centre for Physical Activity & Diet. The visit was a significant milestone in the efforts to combat non-communicable diseases, and it highlighted the importance of collaboration between the medical community and international organizations such as the WHO. The NRC-NCD at BCMCH continues to work towards achieving the Global NCD-SDG Goals, and the visit by Dr. Cherian Varghese served as a source of inspiration and motivation for the team.

Global NCD-SDG Goals and Medical Community's Role

Empowerment by Medical Fraternity

Dr. Cherian Varghese, Acting Director of Healthier Populations & NCDs at WHO-SEARO, has called upon the medical community to take up the role of ambassadors in empowering communities to realize the Global NCD-SDG Goals by 2030. This call to action was made during his visit to the Believers Church Medical College Hospital (BCMCH) in Thiruvalla.

The medical fraternity has a crucial role to play in addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the globe. As the first point of contact for patients, doctors and other healthcare professionals can educate and encourage patients to adopt healthy lifestyles and prevent the onset of NCDs.

Address by Dr. Cherian Varghese

During his address to the faculties and students at BCMCH, Dr. Cherian Varghese highlighted the need for a multi-sectoral approach to tackle NCDs. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the healthcare sector, governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve the Global NCD-SDG Goals.

Dr. Varghese also stressed the need for innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by NCDs. He cited the example of the WHO's Best Buys approach, which identifies cost-effective interventions that can be implemented at scale to prevent and control NCDs.

In conclusion, the medical community has a crucial role to play in achieving the Global NCD-SDG Goals. By empowering communities and adopting a multi-sectoral approach, we can work towards a healthier and more sustainable future.

BCMCH's Engagement with NCDs

Believers Church Medical College Hospital (BCMCH) has been actively engaged in the fight against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) through various initiatives and facilities. The leadership at BCMCH has been instrumental in driving the efforts towards achieving the Global NCD-SDG Goals - 2030.

Leadership Address at BCMCH

Director & CEO Prof. Dr. George Chandy Matteethra, along with other key members of the faculty, has been at the forefront of the efforts to combat NCDs. They have been actively involved in creating awareness and educating the community about the prevention and management of NCDs.

Rev. Fr. Sijo Pandapallil, BCMCH Manager and Senate Member of Kerala University of Health Sciences, has been leading the charge in promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging physical activity among the staff and students at BCMCH.

NCD Focused Facilities at BCMCH

BCMCH has set up a National Resource Centre for NCDs on its campus, which has been instrumental in conducting research and providing training to healthcare professionals on the prevention and management of NCDs. The NRC Office, Research Lounge, and NCD Cluster Focal Points have been designed to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among healthcare professionals and researchers.

The NRC Recreation Centre for Physical Activity & Diet has been set up to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage physical activity among the staff and students at BCMCH. The centre offers a range of activities, including yoga, aerobics, and sports, to help individuals maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Overall, BCMCH's engagement with NCDs has been exemplary, and its efforts have been recognized by the WHO-SEARO. The leadership at BCMCH has been instrumental in driving the efforts towards achieving the Global NCD-SDG Goals - 2030, and the NCD-focused facilities at BCMCH have been designed to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among healthcare professionals and researchers.

Dr. Cherian Varghese's Visit to NRC-NCD

Dr. Cherian Varghese (Acting Director, Healthier Populations & NCDs @ WHO-South East Asia Regional Office) visited the National Resource Centre for NCDs (NRC-NCD) at BCMCH Campus. The visit was aimed at understanding the progress of the NRC-NCD and to discuss the way forward towards achieving the Global NCD-SDG Goals - 2030.

NRC-NCD Office and Research Lounge

During his visit, Dr. Cherian Varghese visited the NRC-NCD Office and Research Lounge. He interacted with the NRC-NCD team and appreciated their efforts towards promoting research and innovation in the field of NCDs. He emphasized the need for collaboration between various stakeholders to achieve the common goal of reducing the burden of NCDs.

Interaction with NCD Cluster Focal Points

Dr. Cherian Varghese also interacted with the NCD Cluster Focal Points. He discussed the progress of the NCD Cluster and suggested ways to strengthen the existing systems. He appreciated the efforts of the NCD Cluster Focal Points towards creating awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles among the community.

Recreation Centre for Physical Activity & Diet

Dr. Cherian Varghese also visited the NRC Recreation Centre for Physical Activity & Diet. He appreciated the facilities provided by the NRC-NCD for promoting physical activity and healthy diets. He emphasized the need for creating more such facilities to promote healthy lifestyles among the community.

Overall, Dr. Cherian Varghese's visit to NRC-NCD was a great opportunity to discuss the progress and way forward towards achieving the Global NCD-SDG Goals - 2030.