AIIMS Rishikesh

Community & Family Medicine

S.NoName of the faculty

&

Qualifications

DesignationAreas of interest in ResearchEmail ID / ORCID ID / Research-gate Page
1.Dr. Vartika Saxena

MBBS, MD, FAMS

Professor & HeadResearch:-

Climate change impact, Health system research, Operational research, Nutrition, Non-communicable diseases,

Impact of Yoga

 

 

vartika.cfm@aiimsrishikesh.edu.in

 

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1966-0565

2.Dr. Surekha Kishore

MBBS, MD

ProfessorResearch:-

Maternal and child health, Non-communicable diseases, Nutrition

 

surekha.cfm@aiimsrishikesh.edu.in
3.Dr. Ranjeeta Kumari

MBBS, MD, DNB

ProfessorClinical :-

Preventive cardiology

 

Research:-

Non communicable disease (specific cardiovascular diseases) and its prevention using different approaches such as physical activity and nutrition related intervention.

 

ranjeeta.cfm@aiimsrishikesh.edu.in

 

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5242-2198

4.Dr. Pradeep Aggarwal

MBBS, MD

 

Additional ProfessorResearch:-

Public health informatics and data management (E-health, M-health, GIS mapping, Telemedicine), medical education (e-learning), research methodology

pradeep.cfm@aiimsrishikesh.edu.in

 

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1415-0483

http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dr_Pradeep_Aggarwal

5.Dr. Smita Sinha

 MBBS, MD

Additional ProfessorClinical: Paediatric and Maternal health

 

Research:-

Maternal and Child Health , Mental health , Nutrition

smita.cfm@aiimsrishikesh.edu.in

 

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1188-5970

 Dr. Santosh Kumar

MBBS, MD, Fellowship in Diabetes, PHDCFT (counselling and family therapy)

Additional ProfessorClinical :-

Family Medicine, Lifestyle medicine, mental health

 

Research :-

Qualitative research, community-based research

 

santosh.cfm@aiimsrishikesh.edu.in

 

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9217-0108?lang=en

 

6.Dr. Meenakshi Khapre

MBBS, MD, Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research, Diploma in advanced scientific writing, Fellowship in medical education and research, Fellowship in occupational and environmental medicine

 

Additional ProfessorClinical: Maternal health

 

 

Research:-

HIV/AIDS, Transgender Health, Maternal and Child Health, Nutrition

meenakshi.cfm@aiimsrishikesh.edu.in

 

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9371-638X

7.Dr. Mahendra Singh Gehlot

MBBS, MD, MMed FMED

 

Additional ProfessorClinical :-

Family medicine, Palliative care

 

Research :-

Tuberculosis, Geriatric Health, Nutrition

 

mahendra.cfm@aiimsrishikesh.edu.in

 

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5249-360X

 

8.Dr. Ajeet Singh Bhadoria

MBBS, MD, PGDHHM, PGDEpi, PGDCA, PGCHFWM (NIHFW)

 

Additional ProfessorClinical :-

Viral Hepatitis, liver diseases

 

Research :-

Viral Hepatitis, liver diseases

 

ajeet.cfm@aiimsrishikesh.edu.in

 

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6947-7910

http://www.researchgate.net/profile/ajeet_Bhadoria

Services:

Community LINK OPD services at AIIMS Rishikesh:

 

 

The Community Medicine LINK OPD at AIIMS Rishikesh continues to serve as a vital access point for primary and comprehensive healthcare services. In 2024, it catered to 6,707 patients, with nearly 25% being follow-up cases, reflecting continuity of care and sustained community trust. Patients primarily presented conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, musculoskeletal pain, upper respiratory infections, and nutritional deficiencies. Notably, several complex cases—including rheumatic heart disease, breast cancer, and neuro-oncology cases—were identified early and successfully managed through coordinated referral pathways.

 

The LINK OPD operates on a structured, patient-centered framework represented by its acronym L.I.N.K., which guides service delivery:

  • L – Leverage Community Screening: Strengthening early detection through systematic community-based screening efforts.
    • I – Initiate Referral: Promptly initiating referral processes for suspected or confirmed cases requiring advanced care.
    • N – Navigate to Care:     Assisting patients in accessing appropriate facilities, specialists, and services through guided navigation.
    • K – Keep Track / Continue Care:     Ensuring completion of referral pathways, monitoring treatment adherence, and maintaining continuity of follow-up care.

 

Through this structured approach, the LINK OPD ensures seamless transitions across levels of care, reinforces patient engagement, and strengthens the bridge between community health services and tertiary care. This model contributes significantly to timely, equitable, and patient-centric healthcare delivery.

2) services at Centre for Rural Health AIIMS Rishikesh (CRHA, Raiwala):

 

Centre for Rural Health AIIMS Rishikesh (CRHA, Raiwala) is established at Primary Health Centre (PHC) Raiwala which is situated in Raiwala village in Dehradun district. This is a collaborative effort of AIIMS Rishikesh and Department of Medical Health and Family welfare Government of Uttarakhand since 2018.  Under Ayushman Bharat, it was converted into a Health and Wellness Centre. It serves the area with its three sub-centres. It caters to a population of 33218 with its three sub-centres, Prateet Nagar, Haripur Kalan, and Raiwala with population coverage of 10785, 15665, and 6768 respectively.

 

Following services are being provided by the Department of Community Medicine-

 

  1. Daily OPD Services
  2. Special clinics on Preventive Paediatrics, Preventive Maternal Care, Non-communicable disease
  3. Outreach activities/ Health camps
  4. Day Care IPD
  5. Management of Road traffic accident cases
  6. Minor surgical procedures
  7. Animal Bite management etc.
  8. Immunization and maternal Health services at subcentres by ANM
  9. Provision of Medicines
  10. Basic Lab Facilities
  11. Health awareness and education at Family Level and Community level
  12. Home visits etc.

 3) Yellow fever vaccination Centre: 

AIIMS Rishikesh continues to provide specialized adult immunization services through its dedicated Adult Vaccination Centre and the state’s only Government of India-authorized Yellow Fever Vaccination (YFV) Centre. In the past year, 413 adults received vaccines such as Rabies, Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal, Influenza, HPV, and MMR. The YFV Centre, operating every Thursday, vaccinated 1405 travellers last year. These services are critical for strengthening adult immunization coverage, especially for international travellers, high-risk individuals, and those with chronic illnesses.

 

  • Preventive Hepatology Clinic:

This special clinic focuses on early detection and lifestyle management of liver diseases such as hepatitis and NAFLD. By offering screening, counselling, and health education, the clinic helps reduce disease burden, promotes healthy habits, and improves overall family health through awareness and preventive care interventions.

 

Head of Department, Prof. (Dr.) Vartika Saxena, receiving the prestigious Fellowship of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (FAMS) at PGI Chandigarh.

Head of Department, Prof. (Dr.) Vartika Saxena, receiving the prestigious Fellowship of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (FAMS) at PGI Chandigarh.

As part of Nutrition Week, a plantation drive was undertaken by our Director & CEO, Prof. Meenu Singh, Dean Academics, Prof. Jaya Chaturvedi, and Head of Department, Prof. Vartika Saxena along with department faculty to promote health and environmental stewardship

 

 

Department Residents along with interns, providing patient care at PHC Raiwala, strengthening clinical skills

Conducting health education among tailors to recognise early signs of fatty liver as part of world hepatitis day awareness.

On World Diabetes Day, residents carried out a diabetes screening for AIIMS security guards, encouraging timely awareness and prevention

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FGD conducted with caregivers to gather insights on childcare practices, immunization awareness, and community health needs at Sub-Centre- Pratitnagar, Raiwala.

Health awareness session conducted at PHC Raiwala on World Hypertension Day, focusing on early detection, lifestyle modification, and community empowerment for better heart health.

Performing anthropometric assessments at the Healthy Baby Contest organized at PHC Raiwala by the department to mark the World Breastfeeding Week.

Health camp conducted at Old Age Home, Haridwar, focusing on screening, counselling, and promoting well-being among elderly residents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A family beyond boundaries — capturing the heart of HOPE through shared moments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                       

 

  Statistics:  Statistics of CRHA Raiwala of 2024-2025 till date :

 

 

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Course nameDuration of coursePresent number of students/yearObjectives & brief description of course
Undergraduate

(MBBS)

3 yrs (1st-3rd yr MBBS)  125

a) The primary objective of the Department of Community Medicine is to train undergraduate medical students to function as a Primary Care Physician with a holistic approach towards diseases. It is expected that by the end of the training, the students should be able to: –

i)Perform early diagnosis and prescribe treatment (using essential drugs) for the locally endemic health problems in the community and counsel the patients for prevention of diseases in the family.

ii) Provide preventive and promotive health care including health education to the most vulnerable sections of the society, for example – children under five years of age, children in urban slums, pregnant women, adolescent girls and elderly persons.

iii)Take active participation in National Health Programmes

iv)Use their knowledge of infectious disease epidemiology in preventing the spread of disease from person-to-person within the family and in the community.

v) Use their knowledge of general epidemiology in planning and conducting community-based-research of good quality. They should also be capable of evaluating the results of evidence-based research studies before adopting them in clinical practice.

vi)Provide promotive preventive curative rehabilitative heath care to the workers in the various occupations (Occupational Health).

vii) Apply the principles of primordial, primary, secondary and tertiary prevention in solving health problems of a community rather than a curative approach.

b) Module based Classes are being conducted regularly for respective MBBS semesters and scheduled clinical postings are taken where practical aspects are being taught and frequent scheduled field visits were organised.

c) Formative assessment of students during clinical postings are carried out on a day-to-day basis as well as at the end of respective clinical postings of each batch.

d) In 2024, 4 UG students have been selected for ICMR STS grant under Prof (Dr). Vartika Saxena, Prof (Dr). Ranjeeta kumari, Dr. Pradeep Aggarwal (Additional Professor) and Dr. Smita Sinha (Additional Professor).

Postgraduate

M.D

 

3 yrs 4 ( Total -12)The MD (Community Medicine) programme aims to train competent public health specialists, physicians, educators, and researchers capable of addressing the health needs of communities through a holistic and evidence-based approach.

 

Postgraduates are equipped to:

·Implement, monitor, and evaluate national health programmes.

·Provide comprehensive primary& community care for common health problems.

·Conduct and mentor high-quality community and hospital-based research.

·Teach and motivate students and communities towards positive health behaviour change.

·Training includes conduction of seminars, journal clubs, field visits, clinical and community postings at Rural and Urban Health centres, Community medicine Link OPD, Adult Immunization centre,) and participation in conferences and workshops. Continuous assessments, logbooks, and structured feedback ensure competency-based learning.

·The curriculum is periodically updated to address emerging public health priorities such as health informatics, climate change, universal health coverage, digital health, and pandemic preparedness. Emphasis is placed on experiential learning through community-based postings, fostering practical skills and leadership in real-world health settings.

·Overall, the programme prepares postgraduates to be skilled, reflective, and adaptable professionals contributing effectively to India’s evolving public health landscape.

 

MPH 2 years 10The Master of Public Health (MPH) programme is designed to develop skilled public health professionals, researchers, and health service leaders capable of addressing population health challenges through evidence-based and community-oriented approaches.

 

Training follows an active learning model incorporating field experiences, problem-based learning, and student-directed projects. MPH students are actively involved in family health programmes, health promotion activities on national health days, and departmental and NHM training workshops. They also participate in outreach initiatives such as Viksit Bharat and health camps, gaining first-hand experience in programme implementation and community engagement.

 

Field visits across various health facilities and public health organizations in Uttarakhand, including NHM units, provide exposure to real-world public health operations. An experiential learning initiative, HOPE (Helping Our People for Empowerment), has been introduced wherein each student is allocated families for case studies, follow-ups, and health interventions aimed at improving family and community well-being.

 

The MPH programme aims to cultivate professionals who can:

·Understand the determinants of health and manage them through evidence-based interventions.

·Contribute effectively to health service management and policy implementation.

· Analyse health risks and promote safer environments and workplaces.

·Apply behavioural and social change strategies to improve population health.

·Pursue lifelong learning and research in public health domains.

·Demonstrate professionalism, leadership, and communication skills as part of multidisciplinary health teams.

·Foster collaborations and networking with national and international public health institutions.

·Overall, the programme integrates teaching, research, and service learning to prepare competent, compassionate, and adaptive public health professionals committed to achieving the national goal of Health for All.

Intern3 months125a)During the reporting year, each batch of interns at AIIMS Rishikesh undergo a 3-month posting in the Department of Community Medicine, aimed at providing exposure to both clinical services and field-based public health activities.

b) The rotation includes postings at CRHA Raiwala Primary

Health Centre (PHC), Community Medicine LINK OPD, and the Adult Immunization center/ Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, Outreach activities, Faculty Projects etc.

c) Interns participate in academic sessions comprising seminars, case discussions, and health education activities to enhance their theoretical understanding.

d) At CRHA Raiwala , they gain hands-on experience in rural healthcare delivery, including maternal and child health services, immunization, and

the implementation of National health programmes.

e)In the Community Medicine LINK OPD, interns manage a range of clinical cases under supervision, with emphasis on holistic, patient-centred care.

f) Field activities forms an integral part of the posting and included household surveys, participation in Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Days (VHSND), school health programmes, and visits to Anganwadi Centres, Sub-Centres, and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs).

g)Intern posting at the Adult Immunization center/Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre provide exposure to international health regulations and vaccine administration protocols.

 

Dr. Vartika Saxena (Professor & Head)

  1. Establishment of centre - Mind–Body Interventions through Yoga (CCRYN Collaborative Centre) for undertaking clinical trials –

 

A] Effectiveness of Yoga Therapy on Severity and Quality of Life in Atopic Dermatitis Patients: A Pilot   Study (CCRYN, Ministry of AYUSH)

 

B] Effectiveness of “Healthy Breast–Mind Body Medicine Program” in Young Female Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial (CCRYN, Ministry of AYUSH).

 

  1. Evaluation of Village Health and Nutrition Days Implementation in Uttarakhand (ICMR)
  2. Risk Factors for COVID-19 among Health-Care Workers: A Case–Control Study in Uttarakhand (WHO)
  3. Prevalence and Prevention of Skeletal and Dental Fluorosis in Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand (UCOST)
  4. Effectiveness of Covaxin and Covishield against Severe COVID-19 in India: A Multicentre Case–Control Study (NIE).
  5. Development and Assessment of Family Resilience Assessment Instrument and Tool (FRAIT-India) for Use by Indian Community Health Workers (University of South Wales)
  6. Factors Associated with Decline in Stunting in India: An Exemplar Analysis (IAVI)
  7. Efficacy of Yoga Modules for Reducing Burnout among People Working in Stressful Situations in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Uttarakhand (DRDO, Ministry of Defence)
  8. Effectiveness of Soymilk Consumption Compared to Powdered Milk among School Adolescents under the PM-POSHAN Scheme in Dehradun District, Uttarakhand (GIC IDPL).
  9. Impact of Climate-Resilient School Interventions on Hand Hygiene, Waterborne Diseases, and Health Status of Government School Students in Uttarakhand (Plan International).
  10. Usefulness and Usability of Clinical Path Primary Care Solution (CPPC) among ASHA Workers in Raiwala Area, Dehradun District, Uttarakhand (Elsevier BV RELX India Pvt. Ltd.).

Dr. Ranjeeta Kumari (Additional Professor)

  1. Assessment of Individual and Health System Factors for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction across Diverse Regions and Facilities in India (ICMR).
  2. Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and its Correlates—Physical Activity, Fitness, Dietary Pattern, and Screen Time—among School-going Adolescents in Garhwal Division, Uttarakhand.
  3. SERB sponsored workshop on regression Modelling for health research using IBM SPSS Statistics.

Dr. Pradeep Aggarwal (Additional Professor)

  1. Assessment of Compliance with Indian Tobacco Control Legislation (COTPA) 2003.
  2. Situational Analysis of Health-Care Facility and Community Preparedness for Implementing Government of India Guidelines for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (An ICMR Taskforce Study).
  3. Understanding and Perceptions among Webinar Attendees and Key Decision Makers from Professional Bodies on the Initiative “Healthy Food for All” (GHAI).
  4. Mortality in India Established through Verbal Autopsies under the MINERVA Network.

Assessment of Compliance with Indian Tobacco Control Legislation (COTPA) in Uttarakhand

Dr. Smita Sinha (Additional Professor)

  1. Evaluating the Impact of Climate-Resilient School Interventions on Hand Hygiene, Waterborne Diseases, and Health Status of Government School Students in Uttarakhand, India: A Quasi-Experimental Study.
  2. Effectiveness of Covaxin and Covishield Vaccines against Severe COVID-19 in India, 2021: A Multicentre Hospital-Based Case–Control Study.

Dr. Santosh Kumar (Additional Professor)

  1. Assessment of Holistic Wellbeing and Work Performance of Employees through the “Workplace Holistic Health & Wellness Program” (Cotec Health Pvt. Ltd.).
  2. Effect of Workplace Holistic Health & Wellness Program on Overall Wellness and Performance of Employees at Rail Vikas Nigam Limited.
  3. Outreach Primary Care Research and Training for Char Dham (HDFC CSR).
  4. Effects of Non-Pharmacological Interventions among Adults (>30 years) with Cardiovascular Risk in a Selected Rural Block of Rishikesh.
  5. Mapping of Urban Slums and Assessment of Sociodemographic Determinants of Health among Vulnerable Populations in Selected Clusters of Haridwar and Dehradun Districts.
  6. Effect of Outreach Telehealth Intervention on Diabetes and Hypertension in Rural Populations during the COVID-19 Pandemic — a Joint Collaboration between AIIMS Rishikesh and The Hans Foundation Hospitals, Pauri Garhwal.
  7. Doorstep Primary Health Care Model: A Telehealth Disease-Focused Approach through Mobile Van Services in Hilly Areas of Uttarakhand.

Dr. Meenakshi Khapre (Additional Professor)

  1. Reasons for Low Levels of HIV Index Case Testing (NACO).
  2. Screening and Health Education for Breast Cancer (MAIna Foundation).
  3. Prevalence of Reproductive Tract and Sexually Transmitted Infections among Women of Reproductive Age.
  4. Effectiveness of Kabasura Kudineer in Management of Asymptomatic, Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Cases: An Open-Label, Single-Blind, Point Randomized Controlled Trial.
  5. Assessment of Risk Factors for COVID-19 among Health-Care Workers: A Case–Control Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Uttarakhand

Dr. Mahendra Singh (Additional Professor)

 

  1. Assessment of Level of Compliance with Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (TOFEI) Guidelines in Primary Schools of Uttarakhand: A Cross-Sectional Study (NHM Uttarakhand).
  2. Diagnostic and Treatment Delay among Tuberculosis Patients Detected through Active Case Finding (ACF) Campaign under NTEP in Haridwar District, Uttarakhand: A Mixed-Methods Study.
  3. End-Line Compliance Survey of COTPA 2003 under the National Tobacco Control Program in Dehradun District, Uttarakhand: A Cross-Sectional Study.

 

Dr. Ajeet Singh Bhadoria (Additional Professor)

  1.  Factors Associated with Sudden Deaths among Adults Aged 18–45 Years in India: A Multicentric Matched Case–Control Study.

Effectiveness of Health System Interventions on Uptake of Hepatitis C Self-Testing (HCVST) in Urban Slums of Haridwar: A Pragmatic Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

 

Collaboration forCollaboration with Department and Institute
Research collaborations WHO New Delhi, ICMR, National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)Ministry of Defence of the Government of India, , CCRYN, Ministry of AYUSH,THDC,UKSACS , UCOST, University of South Wales, University of Patanjali, AIIMS, New Delhi, PGIMER, Chandigarh
Capacity Building of State health functionaries -Facility Based Newborn Care Trainings, RBSK trainings, Hepatitis B preventive trainings, COTPA etc.NHM, , Viral Hepatitis Management Unit, Tobacco control Unit, Maternal and child Health division, State Health system resource centre(SHSRC), Department of Medical Health and Family welfare
Palliative careNHSRC, New Delhi IAPC National trainer
E- trainingECHO trust India
Bridge course, CBRNE program, Health care of ElderlyIGNOU, New Delhi
Training programs for students and InternshipIIT Roorkee, NITI Aayog, ISRO- New Delhi, NHSRC- New Delhi, NHM- Dehradun, Jammu, Shimla, Arunachal Pradesh, AIIMS Delhi, The Union, NIHFW, CCDC, NCDC, QCI-New Delhi, Delhi School of Economics, MAMTA NGO- Rajasthan etc.

Department Expansion Plan:

  1. Building Core Competencies and Leadership Among Undergraduates:
    Integrate leadership development into undergraduate training through skill-building in time management, emotional intelligence, empathy, and evidence-based decision-making.
  2. Development of Specialized Divisions under School of Public Health:
    Expand the MPH program into specialized sections such as Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Nutrition, Maternal and Child Health (MCH), One Health, Health Technology, and Health Policy & Systems Development, etc.
  3. Strengthening Digital Health Resources:
    Enhance infrastructure and capacity in digital health technologies, including telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and data-driven public health innovations.
  4. Establishment of a Independent Rural Health Training Centre of AIIMS Rishikesh:
    Set up a Rural Health Training Centre under AIIMS Rishikesh to strengthen community-based learning, research, and service delivery.
  5. Creation of a Community Cohort:
    Establishment of a long-term community cohort to support ongoing research, surveillance, and evaluation of public health interventions.
  6. Complete Digitalization of PHC Raiwala:
    Implement full-scale digital transformation of CRHA (PHC) Raiwala to serve as a model for technology-enabled primary health care delivery.
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