Delegate: DR. BENJAMIN EARNEST WILLIAMS
Affiliation: Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Christian Medical College and Hospital Vellore, Ranipet Campus
Short Bio: Dr. Benjamin Earnest Williams, MD is a pulmonologist with an interest in Sleep medicine working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India. The intricate connection between respiratory health and sleep disorders increases my eagerness to work more in this unique field.
Activity: In commemoration of the World Sleep Day observed on 15th of March 2024, the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, CMC Vellore, Ranipet, organized a Health Awareness Program based on the theme “Sleep Equity for Global Health”. The program aimed to raise awareness about the importance of healthy sleep and to encourage people to prioritize their sleep health and seek out help if they are experiencing sleep-related problems.
Dr. Benjamin Earnest Williams, Assistant Professor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, organized a healthy sleep awareness program for the public in the patient waiting area of the Ranipet campus on March 15, 2024. Dr. Benjamin gave the welcome address and explained the theme to the public. Dr. Ravish Sanghi, Associate Medical Superintendent, was the chief guest for the occasion who addressed the gathering and explained the importance of Sleep. Dr. Reji Kurien, Professor & Head of the Department ENT 3 was the special guest at the event, and he emphasized Obstructive Sleep Apnea, its early identification, and its remedial measures, Dr. Balamugesh T, Professor & Head of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine explained how sleep can improve one’s overall wellbeing and Mrs. Jeyalinda Christopher, Professor, and Associate Nursing Superintendent shared the impact of sleep deprivation and its ill effects. The College of Nursing, CMC Vellore, Chittoor Campus students performed mime on the main theme. Rev Romith closed the inauguration with a prayer and Dr. Benjamin delivered the vote of thanks.
There were theme-based video, poster, and slogan competitions conducted prior in which more than 300 staff and students of all CMC hospital campuses participated, and the dignitaries awarded the winners certificates and trophies during the inauguration.
On that day, the participants’ awareness chart posters and slogans were displayed on the boards, and awareness videos and E-posters were displayed on the LED screen. There were various stalls for sleep disorder screening, sleep disorder consultation, oropharyngeal exercises, nutrition, Sleep hygiene counseling, and Positive airway pressure devices. World Sleep Day badges and pamphlets were distributed, free consultations were given to almost 100 beneficiaries, and referral was made to the Sleep clinic/ Sleep lab as required.
Thus the World Sleep Day celebration in our institution benefitted the public, the patients, staff, and students.
Location: Christian Medical College and Hospital Vellore, Ranipet campus, Tamil Nadu
Date of Activity: 15th March 2024
Submitted by: Dr. BENJAMIN EARNEST WILLIAMS
