Patna: AIIMS Patna has launched a six-day training programme aimed at strengthening the capacity of district health officials to respond to public health emergencies, including disease outbreaks and disasters. According to the institute, the programme brings together 42 District Health Officers from Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim.
The initiative, titled “Capacity Building Programme on Management of Public Health Emergencies for District Health Officers”, is funded by the Disaster Management Cell of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). AIIMS Patna said the training is designed to improve preparedness and coordination in responding to health emergencies.
Focus on Emergency Preparedness
The programme was inaugurated by Executive Director and CEO Prof. (Brig.) Dr. Raju Agarwal in the presence of Dean (Academics) Prof. Punam Bhadani, Medical Superintendent Prof. Prashant Kumar Singh, Head of Hospital Administration Dr. Sujeet Kumar Sinha and Course Coordinator Dr. Ramkrishna Mondal.
According to AIIMS Patna, the six-day course seeks to equip district health administrators with practical skills required to manage public health emergencies through coordinated planning and evidence-based decision-making.
Officers From Four States Take Part
The training has brought together 42 district health officers from Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim, creating a platform for participants to exchange experiences and learn from public health experts.
According to the institute, the curriculum combines classroom instruction with practical exercises covering emergency response planning, disease surveillance, outbreak management and inter-agency coordination.
Sessions Led by Public Health Experts
AIIMS Patna said participants will receive training from faculty members and invited experts, including Prof. Mahesh Devnani of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh.
The programme includes sessions on legal and administrative frameworks for disaster management, epidemiology, risk assessment, outbreak investigation and simulation-based emergency response exercises.
Officials said the objective is to strengthen the ability of district health authorities to identify emerging threats early and respond effectively before they escalate into larger public health challenges.
AIIMS Patna Highlights Need for Preparedness
Addressing the participants, Prof. (Brig.) Dr. Raju Agarwal said the resilience of a healthcare system is tested during emergencies. He encouraged the officers to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the programme in their respective districts.
According to AIIMS Patna, the training is intended to support stronger preparedness at the district level by improving coordination, planning and crisis response capabilities.
What’s Next
The six-day programme will conclude with practical learning sessions focused on emergency response and public health management. According to AIIMS Patna, the institute expects the trained officers to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms within their districts, contributing to more coordinated management of future public health emergencies.
