Delegate: Dr Punam Verma
Affiliation: Department of Physiology, AIIMS Bilaspur
Short Bio: Currently I am working as Associate Dean Examination and Additional professor, Department of Physiology at AIIMS Bilaspur. I have done MBBS, DGO and MD Physiology. I have a post PG experience of more than 25 years. I have been part of various administrative committee in different capacities related with academics at the institute. I have keen interest in Medical education, I am a FAIMER FELLOW (2013-2015 Batch) and completed various other trainings related with medical education. I am a keen researcher also with special interest in Sleep Medicine and Health, Yoga and meditation, Lifestyle Medicine and Andrology. I have been invited as Guest speaker, resource faculty for conducting workshop, conducting Symposium and as a Panelist in various National conference.
Activity: As a World Sleep Health Delegate, Dr Punam Verma , under the leadership of Dr Rupali Parlewar, Professor and Head, Physiology Department, AIIMS Bilaspur, and collaborative efforts of other faculty of the department namely Dr Hitesh Jani, Dr Priti Bhanderi, Dr Bhoopender Patel, Dr Harshali Rankhambe, Dr Navdeep Ahuja, Staff Miss Jyoti & Miss Kiran spearheaded a comprehensive and impactful Sleep Awareness Program at AIIMS Bilaspur, held from March 12th to 20th, 2025. This initiative, by the department of Physiology, aimed to address the critical importance of sleep health among students, faculty, and the wider community, recognizing future medical professionals as key health ambassadors. (Banner and Program Highlights attached)
The program featured a multi-pronged approach:
• Student Engagement: The week commenced with engaging activities for MBBS students, including a video-making competition focusing on sleep health, hygiene, and the physiology of sleep, followed by an interactive quiz using the Kahoot App. The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by the students were remarkable. The winning videos subsequently showcased in the OPD to raise awareness among patients and their families. (Photographs attached)
• Community Outreach: Recognizing the importance of community awareness, the department conducted outreach sessions in two nearby villages and at the “Nalwari Mela,” a significant community event organized by the Himachal State Administration. Informative pamphlets detailing sleep health, hygiene, and common sleep disorders, were distributed, and attendees were encouraged to utilize the Physiology Department’s lifestyle clinic and sleep lab for further assessment. ( Photographs and pamphlets attached)
• Expert Discourse: A two-day Webinar Series on March 19th and 20th featured prominent experts who delivered insightful talks on various facets of sleep health and disorders. Dr. Punam Verma addressed the topic ‘Sleep as a public health issue’; Dr. Rupali Parlewar highlighted the ‘Role of melatonin in sleep’ ; Dr. Ravi Gupta discussed the ‘Impact of sleep on mental health’; Dr. Tarun Sharma debunked ‘Myths related to obstructive sleep apnea’; and Dr. Kamlesh Jha explored the Connection between sleep disorders and Cognition. The webinar attracted over 60 participants, including residents and faculty from multiple medical colleges.
• Valedictory Function: The program culminated in a Valedictory Function, with Dr. D. N. Sharma, Executive Director of AIIMS Bilaspur, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Sharma emphasized the pivotal role of sleep in maintaining overall health and commended the department’s efforts. The student videos were screened, followed by an awards ceremony recognizing the winning teams.
• Media coverage: For wider publicity of the world sleep day, all the activities were shared on social media platform like twitter, facebook and Instagram.
• A Sleep health awareness article written by Dr Punam Verma published in print (Hindi and English) and online media
Various Links of Health Article
• https://aadarshhimachal.com/good-sleep-good-life-make-sleep-your-priority-dr-poonam-verma/
• https://www.facebook.com/AIIMSBilaspurOfficial/posts/pfbid02o6TojLpQ34KGeHpaB1RwneDfkSS8LPsDXbL73UfuBucc99Srg5xXjswzyGaYX84cl?rdid=mCF3ugzTb8RTH2gz#
• https://www.instagram.com/p/DIOXDdZzd15/?igsh=MTE0eDZ5cDhpd2Zsdg%3D%3D&img_index=1
• https://x.com/AIIMS_bilaspur/status/1909794064519545226?t=zMt94vtnHWffPwsqNQ4cgA&s=08
This comprehensive Sleep Awareness Program, successfully raised awareness about sleep health across diverse audiences. By combining student engagement, community outreach, expert discourse, and a celebratory conclusion, the Department of Physiology at AIIMS Bilaspur effectively promoted healthy sleep practices and facilitated access to relevant resources, demonstrating a strong commitment to public health.
Location: AIIMS Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, 174001
Date of Activity: 12th – 20th March 2025
Submitted by: Dr Punam Verma, Additional Professor, Physiology Department, AIIMS Bilaspur, HP
