INTRODUCTION

The Department of Community Medicine at Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College was established in 1988 with the primary objectives of disease prevention and health promotion. The discipline encompasses a wide range of public health concerns, including nutrition, vector-borne diseases, insecticides, environmental health and pollution control, population dynamics, fertility regulation, genetic counselling, and the prevention and control of chronic, geriatric, and occupational diseases.

Over the years, the Department of Community Medicine has evolved significantly and continues to adapt to emerging public health challenges and societal needs. It serves as a vital link between medical education and public health services, playing a pivotal role in the training of undergraduate and postgraduate medical students. In alignment with the guidelines of the National Medical Commission (formerly Medical Council of India) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the department strives to make medical education more community-oriented and responsive to the health needs of the country.

VISION

• To emerge as a Centre of Excellence in teaching, training, healthcare services, research, and health management in the fields of Community Medicine and Public Health.
• To develop a cadre of competent public health professionals equipped with the skills and expertise to formulate innovative health policies and programmes for community development at national and international levels.

MISSION

The Department of Community Medicine is actively working to improve the health and well-being of the population through a comprehensive healthcare approach grounded in the four pillars of healthcare: preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services. The department is committed to providing quality education, fostering research activities, and promoting a practical understanding of disease prevention and health promotion.

Academic Programmes Offered

1.      MBBS teaching (CBME curriculum)

2.      D. Community Medicine – 3-year postgraduate programme

a.      Intake capacity: 08 seats per year

3.      Master of Public Health (MPH) – Nutrition – 2-year postgraduate programme

a.      Intake capacity: 20 seats per year

CORE COMPETENCIES

·         Epidemiology

·         Health management

·         Health education

·         Primary Health Care

·         Immunisation and vaccination

·         Monitoring and evaluation of health programs

·         Biostatistics

·         Disease prevention and control strategies

·         Community-based trials.

·         Community Health Research

·         Health care service  evaluation

·         IEC activities

·         Family adoption program

·         Upgradation and training in recent advancements in medical education

Facilities

UG & PG Research Laboratory

The laboratory facilitates various public health procedures, including water quality analysis. It also serves as a training facility for undergraduate and postgraduate practical sessions.

Departmental Library

The department maintains a well-equipped library with an extensive collection of textbooks, reference materials, journals, and other academic resources.

Demonstration Rooms

Two demonstration rooms are available for conducting teaching-learning activities and academic programmes, including small group discussion, focused group discussion, demonstration, etc for undergraduate and postgraduate students

Public Health Museum

The museum displays models and exhibits of public health importance along with posters highlighting the significant contributions of eminent scientists to the advancement of public health.