GIMSR launches Family Adoption initiative for MBBS batch

Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. B. Geetanjali highlighted the Family Adoption Program as a crucial initiative for developing socially responsible doctors. At the program’s launch for the new MBBS 2025 batch at the GITAM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (GIMSR) on Thursday, she emphasized that direct community interaction would provide students with valuable practical experience and meaningful learning outcomes.

Community Medicine Professor Dr. B. Sreevidya explained that the program would enable students to better understand the impact of social and environmental factors on health. Each student will be assigned three families for a period of three years and will be required to submit reports detailing their observations and the health progress of these families.

Following National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines, 450 families from Rushikonda have been allocated to the students. Under faculty supervision, students will conduct regular visits to collect demographic data, evaluate living conditions, and perform basic health checks such as blood pressure and nutritional screenings.

To assist the participating families, GIMSR is offering a 50 percent discount on medical fees, including laboratory tests and medicines, to those presenting the Family Adoption Program (FAP) card. This benefit is in addition to the existing Aarogyasri scheme provisions.

The institute also intends to organize medical camps in collaboration with village leaders to raise health awareness and encourage community involvement. GIMSR officials stated that the program aims to cultivate compassionate medical graduates with a deep understanding of community healthcare needs.