The Fundamental right to dignified living has quality health services embedded in it. The practitioners in modern medicine will have to understand the concept of social health. This will ensure ‘cure’ with ‘Care and Compassion’, which is the main theme of the national seminar as a part of the 6th National Social Work Seminar being held in Nagpur, said Pro-Chancellor of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad, and Advisor of Datta Meghe Institutes of Medical Colleges, Dr Ved Prakash Mishra.
Dr Mishra was addressing the inaugural session of the 6th National Social Work Week 2025 seminar on the theme ‘Social Work in Health Setting: bridging Care and Compassion’ on Thursday. Renowned social worker Dr Satish Gugulwar of ‘Amhi Amchya Arogyasathi’, delivered the keynote address.
The seminar was organised by the Board pf Studies in Social Work of RTM Nagpur University, in association with Athawale College of Social Work, Bhandara; National Association of Professional Social Workers in India (NAPSWI), and Maharashtra Association of Social Work Educators (MASWE).
The Constitutions of all the nations in the world recognise the fundamental right to dignified living. The essence is in the rights of all human beings. While framing the Constitution of India, social equality has been recognised. However, political and economic rights have been achieved without social rights in their true sense, which was the dream of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr Mishra said.
The cure in the field of medicine is provided through scientific developments. But the care and compassion, which are missing, can be provided by the trained social workers. Dr Mishra assured that he would strive to bring social work included in the first year of the modern medicine curriculum.
In His keynote address, Dr Satish Gugulwar said the health service system prior to the introduction of modern medicine practices was non-commercial, and had empathy included in the traditional practices by Vaidyas. The traditional Ayurved practitioners never worked with a commercial approach.
Dr Gogulwar emphasised the need for counselling through trained social workers in the health sector to bridge the gap between the commercial approach and the social need in the field of health services. Under the National Rural Health Mission, ASHA workers have performed extremely well to provide these services to the people in rural and remote areas.
Dr Anoop Kumar Bhartiya, Secretary of NAPSWI, delivered the presidential address, appreciated the participation of social work colleges in the Vidarbha region, and laid emphasis on social work intervention in health services and recognition of Professional Social Worker.
Dr Ambadas Mohite of MASWE, Dr Kedar Rotele of Athawale College of Social Work, Convenor Dr Keshav Walke, and Chairman of the Board of Studies in Social Work, RTMNU Dr Naresh Kolte were seated on the dais.
The technical session followed the inaugural session. Prof Arun Kumar, Founder President of the Foundation of Citizenhood, spoke about the concept of Citizenhood, which is a responsibility as a citizen of the nation.
Dr Nandkishor Bhagat and Dr Kavita Kanholkar conducted the proceedings. Dr Fulkar proposed a vote of thanks.
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