AIG Hospitals is on the brink of launching an innovative Health Psychology Department, marking a remarkable transition from a purely biomedical approach to a holistic biopsychosocial perspective on healthcare. Dr. Nageswar Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals, announced this groundbreaking initiative, which aims to address not only the psychological aspects of patients’ physical ailments but also the emotional distress experienced by their family members. Additionally, the department will focus on enhancing doctor-patient communication and managing the burnout experienced by healthcare professionals within the hospital.Speaking at the release event of the book ‘Health Psychology: Contributions to the Indian Health System’ at the University of Hyderabad, Dr. Reddy highlighted the transformative potential of integrating Health Psychology into diagnostic and treatment processes. He emphasized that this approach would not only bolster public health but also contribute significantly to the understanding of the doctor-patient dynamic. Dr. Reddy pointed out the vital role of Health Psychologists in addressing the phenomenon of ICU trauma, a critical aspect of patient care.
The book, edited by Prof. Meena Hariharan, Dr. Meera Padhy, and Dr. Usha Chivukula from the Centre for Health Psychology at the University of Hyderabad, underscores the need for this paradigm shift. Prof. Hariharan welcomed the announcement, asserting that AIG Hospitals will make history as the first in the nation to introduce this transformative change in healthcare methodology.Prof. B. J. Rao, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for more such initiatives that align with the evolving nature of healthcare.
The event also featured comprehensive reviews of the book by experts including Dr. Ravikumar Saxena, a Medical Oncologist; Dr. Sylvia Fernandez Rao, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN); and Prof. Gyanmudra from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).Routledge, a division of the Taylor & Francis publication group, has brought forth both a global edition and an Asia Pacific edition of the book. Comprising articles by scholars and faculty from various Central Universities, IITs, and Health Psychologists from the IT sector, the book emphasizes a holistic approach to health. This approach redirects focus from the disease itself to the overall well-being of the patient and from mere treatment to a more profound concept of healing. The introduction of the Health Psychology Department by AIG Hospitals represents a significant stride toward embracing this progressive approach to healthcare.
