JIPMER celebrates Social workers Day

Puducherry: The Medico-Social Services Wing, JIPMER has organised a celebration marking World Social Workers Day. Dr Subhash Chandra Parija, Director, JIPMER honoured the government and non-government organisations which have participated in the community networking of JIPMER. Through the community networking various social and security needs of patients' were met.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Parija said that JIPMER is one of the pioneers in establishing and integrating Medical Social Work Profession into health care services, thus catering to patients' diverse needs from primary to tertiary care.

In JIPMER, the Medical Social Workers play a significant role in enabling the patient to easily access the health care facilities and predominantly act as a bridge between the health care provider and the patients in order to deliver optimal care to patients.

He added saying that The Professional social workers strive to promote innovative strategies to develop the quality of Medical and Psychiatric Social Work services. JIPMER opens up to be a model for integrating Medical Social Worker in health care system to achieve excellence in patient care services.

In her address Mrs. Chtiraleka, Social Service Officer mentioned that JIPMER has professional Medical Social Workers working in different clinical settings such as Medicine, Surgery, Oncology, Cardiology, Neurology, Immunology, Orthopedics, Pulmonary,Dermatology,Emergency, Plastic surgery, Psychiatric and Community Health Care centers, etc. The Medical Social Workers listen, help and act in unwinding and resolving the patients'personal, emotional and psychological issues by providing effective counselling and various therapies.

Dr.J. Balachender, Medical Superintendent, JIPMER said that the Medical Social Workers liaise with government and non- government organization to channelize resources and meet various social and security needs of patients.

They act as a catalyst in sensitizing the patients on different health related information through health education, awareness campaigns, and other information, education &communication methods.

They focus on research studies, training and education to upgrade their professional skills. The Medical Social Workers also work closely with communities in Urban and Rural Health centers. Dr. Shahin Sultana, HOD, Department of Social Work, Puducherry University, and Mrs. Shanthi. Deputy Director, Department of Women & Child Welfare, Government of Puducherry were the guests of honour.

Dr.Nancy Premkumar, Medical Social Worker presented the Annual Report of the department. Mr.Stalin Sundara Raj, Medical Social Worker conveyed the vote of thanks and the staffs Medical of Medico-Social Services Wing coordinated the programme.