FP Cafeteria Updates
Preconference Workshop – Family Planning Cafeteria: Updates
Date and venue: 14/8/2025 at Department of Community Medicine Medical College Kolkata
Organizing Chairperson: Prof. (Dr.) Debasis Das, (Professor and Head of the Department),
Organizing Secretary: Dr. Shamima Yasmin, Associate Professor,
A preconference workshop on “Family Planning Cafeteria Update” was successfully organized on 14th August 2025 at Medical College, Kolkata under the banner of the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), West Bengal Chapter. The workshop was graced by the esteemed presence of Prof. (Dr.) Indranil Biswas, Principal, Medical College, Kolkata, who inaugurated the session and encouraged all participants with his words of wisdom.
The workshop witnessed an active participation of about 60 delegates from diverse domains, reflecting the multidisciplinary relevance of family planning in public health practice. Dignitaries from the IAPSM WB Chapter, including the President Prof Dr Kunal Kanti Mazumder and Joint Secretary Prof Dr Aditi Aikat, along with representatives from the state conference committee of AIIMS Kayani Dr Sembagamuthu Sembiah enriched the occasion with their presence.
The event was meticulously coordinated by the Department of Community Medicine, Medical College, Kolkata, under the able leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Debasis Das, Professor and Head of the Department, who served as the Organizing Chairperson, and Dr. Shamima Yasmin, Associate Professor, who contributed significantly as the Organizing Secretary. Their tireless efforts, along with that of the entire departmental team, ensured the smooth conduct of the workshop.
The scientific programme included presentations, hands-on sessions, role plays, and video demonstrations focusing on the “Cafeteria Approach” of family planning methods under the Government of India programme. The sessions were highly interactive and simplified the concepts of contraceptive choice, client-centered counseling, and service delivery in a manner easily understandable to all.
Importantly, the workshop was accredited by the West Bengal Medical Council with 5 hours of credit points, adding further value to the participants’ professional development.
The workshop not only enriched participants with updated knowledge and practical skills but also fostered lively discussions and exchange of experiences among professionals. The academic rigor was well complemented with warm hospitality, as participants were served delicious food at intervals, adding to the overall memorable experience.
The preconference workshop concluded on a highly positive note, setting the stage for the upcoming 40th IAPSMWBCON 2025 at AIIMS,Kalyani and reinforcing the commitment of public health professionals towards strengthening family planning services in the state.
