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Epidemiology

Faculty & Staff:

  Dr. Rajesh Ranjan
 Reader and Acting HOD 
MBBS, Diploma in Health Administration, MD (Community Health Administration), DNB (Healthcare and Hospital Administration), Associate Fellow of Industrial Health (AFIH) Fellowship   dr.rajeshranjan@nihfw.org
 Mrs. Bhawna Kathuria
 Assistant Research Officer 
M.Sc (Statistics), M.Phil (Population Studies)    bhawnakathuria@nihfw.org
 Mr. Vishal Drall
 Assistant Research Officer 
M.Sc (Remote Sensing and GIS)    vishaldrall@nihfw.org

Activities of Epidemiology Department


  1. Faculty/ Research Staff
  2. Training
  3. Teaching
  4. Research
  5. Special activities
  6. Publications
  7. Seminars/ Conferences attended
  8. Honours and distinctions of the personnel
  9. Administrative and other Activities
  10. Tentative List of Upcoming Training Courses in 2024-25

1. Faculty/ Research Staff


1. Dr. Rajesh Ranjan, Head (Acting)

2. Dr. J. P. Shivdasani, Research Officer

3. Ms. Bhawna Kathuria, Assistant Research Officer


2. Training Activities (2023-24)


i. Training Course on Epidemic Preparedness and Management


This training is a step in the direction to develop trained manpower at state and district level which will strengthen the surveillance system under Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) being implemented in the country for detection and response to outbreak prone diseases as well as planning need based interventions during disaster situation to prevent the occurrence of any disease outbreak.

  • In 2023-24, total 35 participants have attended this course.
  • The participants in this course were faculty from AIIMS Gorakhpur and GMC Amritsar, Tutor from Medical University Shivpuri, MP and Medical College Baroda. Medical officers from state of Gujarat. Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. State Epidemiologist from Jammu & Kashmir, District Epidemiologist from Assam and Uttar Pradesh. District Public Health Expert and District Surveillance from Uttar Pradesh also participated in the course.
  • Field Visit: participants were taken to field visit at NCDC, New Delhi.
  • The eminent resource persons who had taken the sessions in this course were Dr. Suneela Garg, Dr. Sujeet Singh, Dr. Pradeep Khasnobis etc.

Feedback of the Participants


  • While giving the feedback almost all participants said that the course objectives were relevant. About 94% the participants expressed the objectives were fully achieved and 6 % stated that it was achieved to some extent. They appreciated the experts who have taken the sessions.
  • All participants mentioned that to a considerable extent they were given an opportunity of active involvement in the sessions.
  • About 90% of them mentioned that the quality of audio visual aids used were excellent and 10% mentioned that it was satisfactory.
  • Most of the participants said that the course has helped to a considerable extent in understanding the concepts and issues related to epidemic preparedness and management. They said that this course has strengthened their knowledge and enhanced their confidence to implement the newly acquired knowledge in their work areas.
  • The participants suggested more case studies in groups (practical) or generate preliminary investigation report, demo (hands-on) on GIS, field visit (CHC or Hospitals) to valuate an outbreak epidemic needs to be included. Also more practical exercises and more demonstration on Epi info to be included. They also requested for systematic visit of NCDC with more focus on SHOC room visit.
  • They requested the course coordinator to keep this programme on a regular basis.

ii. Training Course on Occupational and Environmental Health for Health Professionals


The health hazards/ diseases associated with occupational and environmental exposures contribute significantly to overall burden of diseases. Most of the occupational and environmental diseases are being missed out in the diagnosis in the present health care system due to marginalization of this discipline. The health professionals and the community generally do not understand, and appreciate the consequences of harmful exposures to hazards in work place as well as in general environment. There is an urgent need to focus on hazard identification, hazard analysis, assessment and control of hazards causing such disease. The World Health Organization has repeatedly called upon health professionals to develop interest in tackling physical, chemical, biological & psychological hazards that account for substantial disease burden. In the absence of adequately trained manpower, measures to prevent and control such illnesses are not instituted in many countries including India. Health professionals need to be trained to keep a watch on the exposed groups for conducting surveillance of work/home environment, and early detection of occupational/ environmental illness. Present training course will try to sensitize the health professionals in the area of occupational/environmental health.


  • Total 12 health care professionals have attended the course in 2023-24.
  • The participants in this course were officials from NHPC including Sr. DCMO, CMO, Sr. Supervisor and Assistant Officer), Director SIHFW Nagpur, Junior residents from Indira Gandhi Government Medical College Nagpur, MKCG Medical college and Hospital, Berhampur, AIIMS Jodhpur.
  • As a part of training course participants were taken to factory visit at Escorts Kubota Faridabad and Regional Labour Institute, Faridabad.
  • Eminent speakers: Dr. T. K. Joshi, Dr. U. C. Ojha, Dr. Naresh Gupta, Dr. Sumit Sural, Dr. Rajiv Jain etc.

Feedback of the Participants


  • While giving the feedback majority (81.1%) of the participants said that the course objectives were relevant and (63.5%) agreed that they were fully achieved.
  • All the participants expressed the contents were fully covered and the methodology adopted was appropriate. They appreciated the experts who have taken the sessions. All participants mentioned that to a considerable extent they were given an opportunity of active involvement in the sessions.
  • They said that this course has strengthened their knowledge and enhanced their confidence to implement the newly acquired knowledge in their work areas.
  • Few participants suggested to provide study material before commencement of the course and some of them suggested to increase the duration of the training course.

Specific Testimonial by participant


The Occupation and Environment workshop provided invaluable insights into the intersection of occupational health and environmental factors, equipping health professionals with essential knowledge and tools. The sessions were engaging, well-structured, and delivered by knowledgeable experts in the field. The field visits allowed for hands-on learning, enhancing our understanding of real-world challenges and solutions. Overall, the workshop was highly informative and relevant, fostering a deeper appreciation for the importance of addressing occupational and environmental factors in promoting health and preventing disease. I look forward to applying these learnings in my practice to better serve patients and communities. (Dr. Madhumita Bhakta)


iii. Training Course on Application of Biostatistics in Epidemiology and Public Health


To have a better health care delivery system and health management, the programme managers and academia require evidence which usually comes from research. Research in public health requires an adequate information which comes from quality data and its scientific analysis. Biostatistics is an interdisciplinary scientific field and biostatisticians develop and apply statistical methods to scientific research in health related fields, including medicine, epidemiology, and public health etc. The role of the biostatistician is an important one, especially when it comes to designing studies and analyzing data from research problems. Whereas epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. Epidemiology and biostatistics both are the corner stone of public health research and practice. It is very important for program officers, academicians, public health researchers to have basic knowledge and skills of epidemiology and biostatistics and its application.


This training course introduces the health researchers to the quantitative methods that are helpful in public health research and evidence-based public health policy and practice. Statistical and epidemiological concepts will be taught in parallel to promote integration of knowledge across both disciplines.


  • Total 48 participants have attended the course in year 2023-24.
  • The participants in this course were faculty from Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, Government Medical College, Chhainsa, Faridabad, Govt. Medical College, Wayanad, Kerala, Maharaja Agrasen Medical College, Hisar, Haryana, CMO from Belagavi, Karnataka, DCMO, Pilibhit, UP, Nursing Tutor from AIIMS Manglagiri, Junior Residents from GMC Akola, Maharashtra, KMC Manipal MAHE, Udupi, Karnataka, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, PGT from Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, Senior Resident from TNMC & BYL Nair Ch Hospital Mumbai and MPH Scholars from AIIMS Jodhpur. Assitant Research officer from M/O AYUSH and technical officer from CSIR Jharkhand also participated in the course.
  • Eminent Speaker: Dr. Himanshu Chauhan from NCDC

Feedback of the Participants


  • Almost all the participants (96%) said that the course objectives were relevant and 90% agreed that they were fully achieved.
  • Most of the sessions taken by experts were appreciated by the participants.
  • Few participants suggested to organize epi info session exclusively for longer duration and more hands-on training of statistical analysis test should be provided.
  • PPTs should be given one day before each session to have a reading and clarification of doubts.
  • Some of the participants gave suggestion to include application based questions/ MCQs for each session which would aid in clarifying the concepts.

Specific Testimonial by participant


I, Dr Sajith Vilambil, Professor in Transfusion Medicine, GMC Wayanad has attended Training Course on Application of Biostatistics in Epidemiology and Public Health from 11th – 15th March, 2024 at NIHFW, New Delhi. The five days training program covering basics and advances related to epidemiology was planned and executed in an excellent manner. The resource team rendered the sessions in a simple and understandable way. Training materials and infrastructure facilities provided by the department was very good. NIHFW was best in terms of hospitality, food and accommodation. Such trainings conducted at national levels will enable the officials from different institutions to get enlightened in various topics and share ideas across borders. We are awaiting for new training programs from NIHFW. -Dr. Sajith Vilambil


3. Teaching


  • Ph.D.
  • M.D. (Community Health Administration)
  • Diploma in Health Administration
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health Management (DLC)
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Hospital Management (DLC)
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Health & Family Welfare Management (DLC)
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Health Promotion (DLC)
  • Internship students
  • Sessions in training courses

4. Research Activities


Completed Research Activity - “Evaluation of 'National Program on Surveillance of Viral Hepatitis”.

Interdepartmental Research Activities - (i). “Impact Assessment of Strengthening of Food Testing System Including Provision of Mobile Testing Labs (SOFTEL)” under FSSAI”, (ii). “A Study on Competencies and Factors Enabling the Service Delivery of Community Health Officers at the Health and Wellness Centres”.


Proposed Research Activities


  • Prepared a nationwide Study Proposal for conducting a Primary study on the availability & accessibility of Medical Abortion Drugs at various types of pharmacy shops in ten most populous cities of India, Technical Advisory committee meeting and Academic Committee meeting done, Ethics committee and PAC done.
  • Prepared and presented the study titled “To study the waiting time and referral system of IPD and OPD patients at various hospitals associated with government medical colleges of Delhi and suggest interventions for its improvement”: Technical Advisory committee meeting and Academic Committee meeting done, now being submitted to Ethics committee.
  • Prepared the study proposal Titled: “A study on Audit of emergency obstetric referrals in government medical college hospitals of Delhi” in coordination with ILBS, Vasant Kunj, Delhi.
  • Developed the Proposal for Screening for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease among Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus patients: A cross sectional study in Delhi.
  • Prepared and Submitted a Proposal for the dissemination and implementation strategies of Standard Treatment Workflows (STWs) for various common and serious conditions for nation wise training on online as well as offline mode after doing series of discussion with Director NIHFW and DG ICMR.
  • Prepared a Proposal for a nationwide Verbal Autopsy of suicide among doctors in India: Retrospective study of last 15 years from 2009-2024, submitted to ICMR for funding.
  • Prepared a nationwide study proposal on Verbal Autopsy to find out incidence and factors affecting death in manual scavengers in India.
  • Submitted a Proposal for Ad-hoc Research Projects as co-investigator titled “An exploratory study of Psycho-social consequences, coping mechanisms, and healthcare seeking behavior among traditional Perna female sex worker with high risk of HIV, Najafgarh, Delhi” under guidance of Dr. Meerambika Mahapatro.
  • Developed a proposal Establishment of Reference Intervals in Indian Population (TERIP) for becoming a trial centre and submitted to ICMR.
  • Been a team member, attended various meeting as well as reviewed the study and its tools of the study “Evaluation of the Regional Geriatric Centres for Elderly Healthcare in India”
  • As a Co-investigator for Research Project titled “Assessment of Competence, Level of Satisfaction and Barriers Perceived by Community Health Officers in management of Patients with Non Communicable Diseases at Ayushman Bharat Aarogya Mandir of Selected States” with Dr. Nanthini Subbaiah, HOD, Dept of CHA submitted to ICMR.
  • As a Co-investigator for Research Project titled “Development of psychometric scales and assessment of self-alienation, burnout, depression, and gender perceptions among housewives' in India” with Dr. Meeerambika Mahapatro, HOD, Dept of Social Science submitted to ICMR.

5. Special Activities


  • Attended Preparedness Assessment Visit to West Bengal for Measles Rubella Campaign from 5th-9th December, 2022 coordinated by Immunization Division, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi, as directed by Director, NIHFW.
  • Invited as resource person for one-day conference on “Sexuality: Let’s break the silence” organized at Rufaida College of Nursing, Jamia Hamdard on 21st February, 2023 and took a session on Sex: Rights and Laws.
  • MOU has been signed between NIHFW and Transitional Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Gurugram for WHO- Good Clinical Practices (GCP) training on January 3, 2024.
  • MOU has been signed between NIHFW and ICMR for dissemination and implementation strategies of Standard Treatment Workflows (STWs) for various common and serious conditions in March 2024.

6. Publications


Dr. Rajesh Ranjan


  1. Kabirpanthi, V., Gupta, V., Mishra, R., & Ranjan, R. (2024) Qualitative exploration for the under foot fall in utilization of health services at Primary Health Center of Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh. J Family Med Prim Care, 13;169-74.
  2. Naganjan, K.S.B., Kiran Kumar, M.V., Rao, B. V., & Ranjan, R. (2023). Needle Stick Injury Rate and its Reduction Among the Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, 15(6);1887-1894. https://ijpcr.com/volume15issue6/ Serial Number: 245 e-ISSN: 0975-1556, p-ISSN:2820-2643
  3. Kiran Kumar, M.V., Balanaganjan, K.S., Rao, B. V., & Ranjan, R. (2023). Prescription Audit Using World Health Organization Core Prescribing Indicators in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of South India. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, 15(6), 1895-1903 https://ijpcr.com/volume15issue6/ Serial Number: 246
  4. “मैं चिकित्सक हूं “ कविता published in Dharna Hindi Magazine published by NIHFW in March 2024.
  5. Nijith L, Ranjan R (May 23, 2022) Cardiovascular Manifestations In Hyperthyroidism: A Cross-Sectional Study In A Tertiary Care Hospital In South India. Cureus 14(5): E25232. Doi:10.7759/Cureus.25232
  6. Sharma M, Goyal P, Ranjan R, Et Al. (July 15, 2022) Clinical And Epidemiological Profile Of Elderly Hodgkin’s Lymphoma In India. Cureus 14(7): E26906. Doi:10.7759/Cureus.26906
  7. Singh A, Mishra R, Ranjan R (July 15, 2022) Gastrointestinal Lesions And Its Associated Factors In Adult Males With Iron Deficiency Anaemia: A Cross-Sectional Study From Tertiary Care Centre Of North India. Cureus 14(7): E26905. Doi:10.7759/Cureus.26905
  8. S. A K, Singh V, Singi Y, Et Al. (September 15, 2022) The Association Of Hematological And Biochemical Parameters With Mortality Among Covid-19 Patients: A Retrospective Study From North India. Cureus 14(9): E29198. Doi:10.7759/Cureus.29198
  9. Pandit U, Singh M, Ranjan R, Gupta V. The Effect Of Exercise Training On Body Composition, Insulin Resistance And High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (Hs-Crp) In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Pilot Study From North India. Cureus. 2022 Apr 9;14(4):E23994. Doi: 10.7759/Cureus.23994. Pmid: 35547420; Pmcid: Pmc9085451.
  10. Pandit U, Singh M, Ranjan R. Assessment Of Maternal And Fetal Outcomes In Pregnancy Complicated By Fibroid Uterus. Cureus. 2022 ;14(2):E22052. Doi: 10.7759/Cureus.22052. Pmid: 35295349; Pmcid: Pmc8916919.
  11. Chauhan Ak, Singh A, Ranjan R, Gupta V, Goel Pk. Factors Affecting Compliance To Quarantine And Its Psychological Effects During The Covid 19 Pandemic: A Cross Sectional Study From Aspirational District Of India. J Sci Soc 2022;49:40-6. (Published On 22-Apr-2022)
  12. Kumar R, Pundir SK, Ranjan R. Morphological Study of Cervical Spinal Body And Vertebral Body. Anatomy. Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research, Vol 13, Issue 01, 2022. 794-798
  13. Jha SC, Dey S, Ranjan R. To Evaluate The Serum Sodium Level In Patients With AMI And Its Complication. Jcdr. 2022: 108-111
  14. Sinha S , Bagla RK , Ranjan R. Assessment Of Complications Of Tonsilitis In A Tertiary Care Hospital In Haryana. European Journal Of Molecular &Amp; Clinical Medicine. Volume 9, Issue 4, Summer 2022. Issn 2515-8260.
  15. T Jha SC, Dey S, Ranjan R. To Determine The Correlation Between BMI And Glycated Hemoglobin (Hba1c) Level In Patients Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Dr. Subhash Chandra Jha1 , Dr. Saborni Dey2 , Dr. Rajesh Ranjan3 2022; Volume 9 (2022) , Issue 3 : Page: 3014-3018
  16. Ranjan M, Agarwal M, Ranjan R, Dutta S, Pokhria P, Ranjan R. Role Of Mr Imaging In Evaluation Of Post Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Biliary Duct Injuries: A Prospective Study From North India 2022; Volume 9 (2022) , Issue 3 : Page: 5396-5402

Books/ Chapters as authors


  1. Invited for Publishing and writing a “Textbook of Community Medicine” with Elsevier publishers for undergraduate students in April, which now has to be published by June 2024- undergoing.
  2. Invited for Publishing and writing a “Textbook on MCQ of Community Medicine” with Elsevier for undergraduate students- undergoing.

Bhawna Kathuria


  1. Subbiah N, Aggarwal P & Kathuria B. Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on formal education of primary school children (6-11 years) studying in selected Municipal Corporation primary schools of East Delhi, India. The Nursing Journal of India. March-April 2022; CXIII (2):88-92
  2. Kathuria B & Sherin Raj. Regional Disparities in Dual Burden of Malnutrition among Rural Men in India: Evidence from National Family Health Survey. International Journal of Nutritional Sciences. April 2022; 7(2):100-107. doi: 10.30476/ IJNS.2022.94533.1179.
  3. Raj Sherin TP, Kathuria B (2022): How Tamil Nadu Is Performing Better in Menstrual Hygiene Management in India: Evidence from National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4). International Journal of Human and Health Sciences. October 2022; 6(4):404-411. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.31344/ijhhs.v6i4.480

7. Seminars / conferences/ trainings attended by Dr. Rajesh Ranjan


  1. Attended 13th National Conference of Indian Association of Epidemiologists (IAE) held from 29-30th April, 2023 at Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi, under my guidance two posters were there, one poster was awarded best poster.
    • Deaths of Manual Scavengers in India from 2017-2022- A Narrative review poster presented by Dr. Suman Verma got first prize as best poster.
    • Health seeking behaviour for Major Non-communicable disease among adults 30-60 years in urban slums of Delhi poster presented by Dr. Anju P.
  2. Attended Epidemiology Foundation of India (EFICON) 2023 at Goa Medical College, Goa on 30th September- 01st October 2023 and presented a paper titled “A study on Health hazards and Deaths of Manual Scavengers in India: A secondary review of last 7 years”.
  3. Attended an International Conference on "Current Challenges in Occupational and Environmental Health" from 28-30 November, 2023 at Maulana Azad Medical College Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH), Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi in collaboration with Dornsife School of public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA and Delivered a lecture on Title of Talk: Water quality and burden of drinking water in different sources on 28th November, 2023.
  4. Attended 32nd Batch of External Assessors' Training from 11th Dec- 16th Dec 2023 National External Assessors’ on National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) and cleared in first attempt.

8. Honours and distinctions of the personnel (Award as Speaker - Dr. Rajesh Ranjan)


  1. Secured Second Position in presentation in thematic session in Epidemiology Foundation of India (EFICON) 2023 on (30th Sep - 1st Oct 2023) at Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Goa 403202.
  2. Participated in Debate Competition (Hindi Speaking Category) and got 3rd prize in Hindi Fortnight-2023 organized by Hindi cell at NIHFW.

Award as Supervisor

  1. Deaths of Manual Scavengers in India from 2017-2022- A Narrative review poster presented by Dr. Suman Verma got first prize as best poster in 13th National Conference of Indian Association of Epidemiologists (IAE) held from 29th -30th April, 2023 at Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

9. Administrative and Other activities - Dr. Rajesh Ranjan


  • Coordinator of PG Diploma in Management Applied Epidemiology (PGDMAE) through DLC, NIHFW.
  • Nodal officer for National medical commission for IT initiatives doing coordination about Implementation of NIC-AEBAS, HMS and Connecting CCTV feed to Command and Control Center at NMC.
  • Chairman of Committee of weed out the books and compactors which are kept on the first floor of NDC.
  • Member of a committee for Development of Public Health Museum (PHM) at the NIHFW, help in making the proposal and budget for the development of the same.
  • Member of a committee for Print, Publish and Online Manage Journal of Health Population Perspective and Issues (HPPI).
  • Member of a committee to review and approve the Draft Tender Document of Journal of Health Population Perspective and Issues (HPPI).
  • Link Officer for NDC
  • Link Officer for MCHA
  • Chairman, Sports Committee of the NIHFW, coordinated all the sports activities held on Sports day 5th March, 2024.

Dr. J. P. Shivdasani

  • Nodal Officer (Admin)

Ms. Bhawna Kathuria

  • Co-coordinator of PG Diploma in Management Applied Epidemiology (PGDMAE) through DLC, NIHFW

10. Tentative List of Upcoming Training Courses in 2024-25


Proposed Training Courses for the year 2024-25


S. No. Name of Training Course Proposed Dates
1. Training Course on Epidemic Preparedness and Management 23rd-27th September, 2024
2. Training Course on Application of Biostatistics in Epidemiology and Public Health 4th-8th November, 2024
3. Training Course on Occupational and Environmental Health for Health professionals 3rd-7th February, 2025
4. Training Course on Good Clinical Practices (GCP) 27th-28th June, 2024, 5th - 6th September, 2024, 21st-22nd October, 2024, 17th-18th February, 2025

 

Last Updated:03-02-2025