KOZHIKODE: With the entire health department on the field to ensure maximum participation in the measles rubella (MR) vaccination, medical students at Calicut medical college (CMC) are not far behind. The medicos are vigorously campaigning for vaccination and tapping all platforms to clear the doubts of parents and teachers. ‘Apothikkiri’ a collective of students at CMC has become part of 40 PTA meetings in the city limits to promote the vaccination.
“Our members are excited to be part of the campaign. Primarily, it connects us to society, instills the much needed social commitment even before we become doctors,” notes Ashwath Raj, final year MBBS student. The collective was formed last year during the diphtheria outbreak in Malappuram. “Around 15 of us campaigned in Thanalur to stamp out the false impressions of the public over vaccinations,” said Raj.
According to Neethu.V.V, third year student, the vocal campaigning by the anti-vaccine lobby was the main villain confronting them. “The health department lacks staff strength to do the additional work of campaigning. We offer our bit here,” she says. Close to 100 medicos are associated with the collective now. “They are providing immense help. Medicos had even conveyed their willingness for door-to-door campaigns,” says district nodal officer of MR vaccination, Dr Sarala Nair.
CMC’s other intervention was made by three final year students-Ashiq Sainudheen, Vishnu Prasad and Mohammad Anwar. The video posted by them on facebook demolishes many lies and half truths being spread on social media. The video takes into account each case such as the campaign against pentavalent vaccine, the anti-rubella article written by Dr Khadeeja Mumtaz etc in a clinical manner and provides rational answers to all and exposes the propaganda.
