Face the challenges, solve the problems – Dr. Abhay Bang

Gadchiroli: India, with its population of 1.40 billion, faces severe health challenges. Yet, we often fail to develop solutions to our own problems—this needs to change. We need public health pioneers who will face challenges head-on and find solutions, said Dr. Abhay Bang, Director of SEARCH (Society for Education, Action, and Research in Community Health), on Thursday.

Dr. Bang was delivering the presidential address during the virtual launch of the SEARCH-IAPSM (Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine) Post-Doctoral Fellowship for MD PSM graduates.

“Real learning happens when we face challenges. Don’t chase comfort—go after the problems. That’s how you become a pioneer in public health,” Dr. Bang said. “MD PSM graduates already have theoretical knowledge. This fellowship will give them the opportunity to work in the field and develop into competent public health experts.”

IAPSM’s National President Dr. Annarao Kulkarni, in his inaugural speech, emphasized the need for hands-on experience in medical education. “We focus on theory but rarely send students to rural and slum areas, limiting their exposure to real-world public health challenges. This fellowship fills that gap and is an opportunity to give back to society,” he said.

IAPSM’s secretary Dr. Purushottam Giri highlighted the fellowship’s significance, stating, “This is a collaborative initiative between SEARCH and IAPSM. It allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and solve practical health challenges.”

SEARCH’s deputy director community health research Dr. Supriyalaxmi Totiger explained the application process for the fellowship. The session was moderated by Roshani Babu, Program Coordinator and Research Associate at SEARCH, who also delivered the vote of thanks. 

‘From Clinical Problem to Public Health Challenge’

Dr. Bang shared an example from 1986 when tribal women in Gadchiroli complained about white vaginal discharge. After conducting a detailed survey, SEARCH found that 92% of the women faced gynecological issues. This research was published in The Lancet and led to a paradigm shift in maternal healthcare.

“White vaginal discharge was initially considered a clinical problem, but our research revealed it as a significant public health issue. This study ultimately shifted the focus from maternal health to comprehensive reproductive health for women,” Dr. Bang said.

How to Apply?

Interested candidates can visit https://searchforhealth.ngo/get-involved/ for the application link and other details.

Candidates will be shortlisted based on their academic performance and Statement of Purpose (SOP).

• Shortlisted candidates will undergo two rounds of interviews.
• The fellowship has a two-year duration with an option to extend for one more year.
• Selected candidates will stay at the SEARCH campus in Gadchiroli and undertake:Research projectsTranslating research into actionGrant proposal writingStakeholder managementScientific writing

This fellowship is an opportunity to work on real-world health challenges and contribute to meaningful change.