Key Activities and Case Studies
- Local and Regional Policy Contributions
1.1 Collaborations with Local Governments
- Mysore District Health Risk Assessment (MUDHRA) Study:
- Activity: Conducted a cohort study involving 8,457 participants across 16 villages to assess health risks from biomass fuel exposure.
- Impact: Findings highlighted increased risks of chronic respiratory diseases among rural women, directly influencing local health interventions and policies.
- Policy Linkage: Supported initiatives promoting cleaner cooking fuels under local governance frameworks.
1.2 Empowering Tribal Communities
- Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Screening and Management:
- Activity: Faculty-led SCD screening and management projects, in partnership with the National Health Mission (NHM) and the Department of Biotechnology.
- Impact: Over 2,000 tribal individuals screened and treated, improving access to essential healthcare.
- Case Study: Developed state-level guidelines for SCD management, addressing healthcare inequities in tribal populations.
- National Policy Engagement
2.1 Influencing Major Government Programs
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):
- Activity: Research on biomass fuel exposure through the MUDHRA study contributed to PMUY, providing clean LPG connections to rural households.
- Impact: Improved health outcomes for over 90 million households nationwide.
- National Health Mission (NHM):
- Activity: Faculty served on technical committees for NHM, focusing on maternal and child health, and non-communicable disease management.
- Impact: Enhanced healthcare delivery models for economically weaker sections.
2.2 Advancing Non-Communicable Disease Management
- Diabetes and Hypertension Continuum of Care Study:
- Activity: Research conducted in partnership with WHO and ICMR identified gaps in patient care for diabetes and hypertension.
- Impact: Findings informed reforms in the National Program for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NPCDCS), benefiting millions of patients.
2.3 Tuberculosis (TB) Care Continuum
- Activity: A collaborative project with the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT) identified barriers in TB care delivery.
- Impact: Recommendations were integrated into the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP), improving outcomes for TB patients in Karnataka.
- Global Advocacy and Policy Influence
3.1 Participation in International Forums
- G20 Summit Contributions:
- Activity: JSS AHER participated in elderly health policy discussions during the G20 Summit, shaping frameworks for aging populations.
- Impact: Recommendations focused on reducing healthcare inequities for elderly communities globally.
3.2 Collaborations with Global Institutions
- WHO Vaccine Safety Monitoring:
- Activity: JSS Hospital established a WHO-recognized Vaccine Safety Monitoring Center, leading vaccine safety initiatives.
- Impact: Contributed data to global vaccine safety protocols, enhancing trust and accessibility.
3.3 Capacity Building for Policymakers and Administrators
- Workshops and Training Programs:
- Activity: Hosted training programs in collaboration with Biocon Academy to develop skills in regulatory sciences and pharmaceutical compliance.
- Case Study: The Global Regulatory Affairs Program prepared over 100 professionals annually for leadership roles in healthcare policy and implementation.
Conclusion
JSS AHER exemplifies how academic institutions can actively participate in policy-making to address poverty in all its dimensions. Through collaborative research, advocacy, and global engagement, the university continues to drive impactful and sustainable solutions, ensuring equitable development for vulnerable communities.