Awantipora, June 04: The School of Health Sciences, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), in collaboration with the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Centre for Vocational Studies, organized a Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Screening and Awareness Program today at the university campus. The program was supported under the DST-PURSE initiative of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, as part of its Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) component.
The event aimed to raise awareness among students and staff about the increasing prevalence of NCDs and the importance of early detection and preventive healthcare.
In his address, Prof. Ayub Qadri, Dean, School of Health Sciences and Coordinator, IUST-PURSE Project, presented a comparative perspective on the rise of NCDs and emphasized the importance of integrated health interventions at the educational institutional level. He highlighted the need for greater community engagement through student-led awareness campaigns.
Prof. Afroz Ahmad Bisati, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, underscored the significance of holistic education as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He stated that Health education is the most essential form of education. At IUST, we are committed to equipping our students not only with academic knowledge but also with health awareness that they can take forward into their communities.”
Dr. Zahida Rasool, Medical Officer University Health Centre, discussed preventive strategies for NCDs and emphasized the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle patterns early in life. She noted that such measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions later.
Dr. Muzaffar A. Macha, Head, Watson & Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, delivered an informative session on Breast Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention, shedding light on early signs, screening methods, and lifestyle factors.
Dr. Fasil Ali, Project Associate, DST-PURSE, elaborated on the epidemiology of NCDs, explaining the growing burden of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer, particularly in young and middle-aged populations.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ruheela Hassan, Dean Outreach, expressed her hope that students would become torchbearers of health awareness in their families and communities. “Being informed and aware, our students can be real-life changemakers for society,” she remarked.
