The Department of Community Medicine at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences (ABVIMS) and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi (RMLH) plays an essential role in promoting public health and providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. The department focuses on preventive, promotive, and curative healthcare, emphasizing community-oriented practices and addressing both individual and community health needs. It integrates education, research, healthcare delivery, and capacity building to improve health outcomes at the local, community, and national levels. The specialized centers and training programs are part of its broad mandate, contributing to improving the overall healthcare system.

1. Rural Health Training Centre, Ujwa, Nazafgarh- The Rural Health Training Centre at Ujwa, Nazafgarh, is one of the core facilities dedicated to addressing the unique health challenges faced by rural populations, where undergraduate medical students, nursing students and interns gain hands-on experience in managing rural health issues.
   
   Ujwa, a rural locality, presents a wide range of public health challenges, including limited access to healthcare facilities, high rates of infectious diseases, malnutrition, and maternal and child health concerns. The Rural Health Training Centre focuses on training healthcare professionals in rural health systems and providing services such as immunization, antenatal care, and disease prevention. It also emphasizes the importance of community engagement, teaching students how to collaborate with local populations to address health concerns and deliver healthcare services effectively in a rural setting. Through this center, ABVIMS and RMLH work toward strengthening healthcare delivery in underserved areas, ensuring that healthcare professionals are well-equipped to address the specific needs of rural populations win limited resource settings.
    
2. Urban Health Training Centre- In addition to the Rural Health Training Centre, the Urban Health Training Centre is another critical facility that addresses health challenges in urban settings. The center focuses on the public health concerns faced by rapidly growing cities like New Delhi, which include overcrowding, pollution, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory conditions, and the management of communicable diseases.
    
3. Anti-Rabies Vaccination Centre- One of the vital services provided by the Department of Community Medicine is the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Centre. Rabies remains a significant public health concern, especially in India, where rabies is a leading cause of death due to dog bites. The Anti-Rabies Vaccination Centre at the Out Patient Department of Dr RML Hospital, offers essential vaccination services for individuals who have been bitten by animals suspected to have rabies, such as dogs, cats, or monkeys. The center provides post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which includes administration of anti-rabies vaccinations and anti-rabies immunoglobulins to prevent the onset of the disease. It offers not only vaccination but also awareness about preventive measures such as safe animal handling practices and the importance of prompt medical care and wound management following animal bites.
    
4. Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre (every working Wednesday and Saturday)- The Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre at the institute is an essential facility for travelers travelling to yellow fever endemic countries, as per International Health regulations. The Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays, providing immunization services to prevent the spread of this potentially deadly disease. This vaccination is often a requirement for travel. The center ensures that all vaccination protocols are followed meticulously and that individuals receive the necessary vaccination certificates. It contributes to global public health by helping prevent the international spread of yellow fever.
    
5. Diabetes and Hypertension Screening Centre- The Diabetes and Hypertension Screening Centre at ABVIMS and Dr RMLH plays an essential role in identifying individuals at risk of or suffering from chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. These NCDs have become a significant public health burden in India. This center offers routine screenings for blood sugar levels, blood pressure and obesity related parameters to detect early signs of diabetes and hypertension. The goal of the center is to facilitate early diagnosis, as these conditions often remain asymptomatic until they reach advanced stages. By identifying individuals early, the department can provide appropriate interventions and counseling to help patients manage their conditions. The center also conducts regular health-talks and health awareness activities to raise awareness about the importance of regular monitoring, healthy lifestyles, and medication adherence to manage these chronic diseases effectively.
    
6. Tobacco Cessation Centre- The Tobacco Cessation Centre at ABVIMS and Dr RMLH offers a dedicated program to help individuals quit smoking and other tobacco products. Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable diseases, including lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory disorders. This center provides counseling and referral services to individuals trying to quit tobacco. The center also conducts awareness programs to educate the public about the harmful effects of tobacco use and the benefits of quitting.
    
7. Other Services and Research
   The Department of Community Medicine at ABVIMS and RMLH reports the number of cases of animal bites on the IHIP portal under IDSP. The Department also provides a wide range of services to address the broader aspects of community health, including mental health programs, sanitation and hygiene education, vector control programs, maternal and child health services, and environmental health monitoring. The department conducts Public awareness activities such as health talks and camps in local communities and educational institutes.