NIMS Nursing College, a leading institution under NIMS University Rajasthan, hosted a transformative month-long program focused on health education, training, and feedback mechanisms. Held in March 2024, this initiative aimed to empower students, healthcare professionals, and the community, fostering gender equality and improving healthcare practices through education and awareness.

Overview of the Program

The program spanned March 1 to March 30, 2024, encompassing several activities, seminars, and workshops. Its objectives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality, and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. Designed to address health disparities, enhance training, and provide actionable feedback, the initiative involved students, faculty, and community members.

1. Health Education Initiatives

The cornerstone of the program was health education aimed at equipping participants with knowledge and skills essential for advancing healthcare delivery. The following activities were conducted:

• Seminars on Health Awareness: Sessions addressed critical topics such as maternal health, child care, nutrition, and the importance of preventive healthcare. These seminars included lectures delivered by leading healthcare professionals and gender equality advocates.
• Awareness Drives in Schools: The faculty and students of NIMS Nursing College visited local schools, such as Dayanand Public Sen. Sec. School in Achrol. These visits emphasized gender equality in healthcare access and introduced basic health education to students, ensuring a strong foundation for future generations.
• Workplace Health Education Campaigns: Special sessions were organized for NIMS University workers to promote better health practices, focusing on nutrition, sanitation, and reproductive health.

2. Training Programs

To build a skilled workforce in healthcare, NIMS Nursing College conducted training sessions emphasizing practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

• Simulation-Based Training: Students engaged in simulations to practice handling critical medical scenarios, including emergency care and gender-specific health challenges.
• Skill Development Workshops: Practical workshops provided training on handling medical equipment, administering first aid, and conducting routine health check-ups. A special focus was given to gender-sensitive care, ensuring participants were equipped to address the needs of all genders respectfully and effectively.

3. Feedback Mechanism and Goal Review

Understanding the importance of feedback in improving healthcare outcomes, NIMS Nursing College integrated structured feedback sessions throughout the program.

• Post-Training Assessments: Participants completed assessments to gauge their learning progress. The results were used to identify areas of improvement in training methodologies.
• Community Feedback: Community members who attended the awareness sessions shared their thoughts on the impact of these activities. This feedback highlighted the program’s success in bridging knowledge gaps and promoting better health practices.
• Interactive Feedback Forums: Faculty and students engaged in forums to discuss the program’s goals and outcomes. These forums encouraged open communication, fostering a collaborative environment for continuous improvement.

Significance and Impact

The program’s alignment with SDG 5 demonstrated NIMS Nursing College’s commitment to gender equality. Through education, training, and targeted feedback, it addressed systemic health disparities and promoted equitable access to healthcare.

• Promoting Gender Equality in Healthcare: By integrating gender-sensitive training, the initiative challenged stereotypes and equipped healthcare providers to deliver inclusive care.
• Empowering Future Nurses and Healthcare Workers: Participants gained valuable skills, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions and provide quality care.
• Community Engagement: The program’s outreach extended beyond the college, influencing local communities and encouraging active participation in health and well-being initiatives.

Highlights from March 2024

The program featured several key events, including:

• A seminar on “Empowering Women Through Health Education,” led by distinguished guest speakers from the medical and social work fields.
• A workshop on “Addressing Unconscious Bias in Healthcare,” which educated participants on recognizing and mitigating biases to ensure equitable treatment for all patients.
• Community visits where students conducted health check-ups and shared educational materials, impacting over 500 local residents.

Conclusion and Way Forward

The health education, training, and feedback program by NIMS Nursing College marked a significant step towards creating an inclusive and skilled healthcare community. By prioritizing education and gender equality, it contributed to the broader goals of sustainable development and equitable healthcare access.

Moving forward, NIMS Nursing College plans to expand such initiatives, incorporating advanced training techniques, wider community engagement, and robust evaluation frameworks. These efforts aim to empower healthcare workers and communities, ensuring a healthier and more equitable future for all.