New Delhi (NVI): Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, today digitally addressed the students of Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC).
#COVID19 has highlighted the significance of responsible reporting & dissemination of correct information by journalists.
It was a pleasure to address a virtual session on 'Health Journalism in Pandemic' organised today as a part of @IIMC_India Orientation Program 2020-21 pic.twitter.com/tg2ezM2tnU
— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) November 27, 2020
While addressing a virtual session on ‘Health Journalism in Pandemic’ Vardhan stated, “Media being the fourth pillar of democracy plays very important role in modelling attitude of people. Thus, there is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of journalists as they are capable of delivering richest of dividends.”
Applauding the efforts of journalists during the times of crisis due to pandemic from the last 11 months, Vardhan said, “Journalists have worked round the clock from ground zero to provide information to the public. The COVID war, which started from January 2020 is now into its eleventh month. Media has been an active partner during this journey.”
He also paid his tributes to those who have sacrificed their lives in an attempt to provide information to the people. “My list of Corona warriors also include journalists”, he said.
Furthermore, remembering the contribution of journalists during the fight against poliomyelitis, the minister said, “Health Journalism was the nucleus of our war against Polio. At the time when India was home to 60% of the polio affected people, dreaming about polio free India was a distant reality.”
The positive contributions of journalists have helped in making it a successful national program, he added.
-CHK
