Recognizing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the crucial role of media in enhancing public health understanding, the Resource Group for Education and Advocacy for Community Health (REACH) held a high-impact media roundtable in the national capital recently. The event brought together healthcare experts, journalists, and patient advocates to deliberate on meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
Anupama Srinivasan, Deputy Director of REACH highlighted the organization’s efforts to improve media reporting on NCDs and tuberculosis. She emphasized the media’s responsibility in shaping public discourse and the need to bridge informational gaps in India’s NCD response.
Dr. Beena Bansal, Senior Endocrinologist and Director-Founder of Door to Care, presented an overview of the escalating NCD scenario in India, particularly among underserved populations. She underscored the need for early diagnosis and preventive healthcare, stating, “In today’s digital age, media is a vital avenue to highlight issues, making NCDs a media priority to reach policymakers.”
K Kathak expert and cancer survivor Alaknanda Das shared her journey with an NCD, emphasizing the challenges of navigating healthcare systems. She advocated for person-centered reporting, noting, “Awareness is crucial, and social media becomes a critical source of information for many.”
r. Aqsa Shaikh, Professor of Community Medicine, discussed the intersection of healthcare access and marginalized identities and stressed the importance of ethical storytelling in media, urging that “all information must be authentic, with compassion and sensitivity.”
Dhananjay Kumar, former senior editor at Navbharat Times, provided insights on combating misinformation in health journalism. He encouraged journalists to adopt data-driven, people-centric approaches, stating, “Accurate information is essential for better care, reducing stigma, and supporting informed choices.”
The roundtable featured over thirty attendees from major publications, affirming the media’s commitment to addressing the rising burden of NCDs and fostering informed public discourse.
