Kochi: Justice Devan Ramachandran of the Kerala High Court on Saturday said health journalism plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between ordinary people and the medical community by making complex medical information accessible to the public.

He was inaugurating the two-day National Health Journalism Summit 'Medi Media' at IMA House here, jointly organised by Aster Medcity, the Ernakulam Press Club and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Cochin chapter.

“Medical journalists are not merely reporting news. You are bridging the gap between ordinary people and the scientific community,” Justice Ramachandran said, adding that the importance of the field has grown significantly after the Covid pandemic. He noted that while citizens often search for “magical cures,” responsible medical journalism can dispel myths and provide clarity at a time of widespread information overload.

Around 30 journalists from across the country are taking part in the summit, which features sessions on healthcare reporting, ethics, and the role of the media in countering misinformation. A fireside chat with Dr Jose Chacko Periyappuram of Lisie Hospital and panel discussions involving doctors, lawyers and journalists were held on Saturday.

MPs Hibi Eden and Benny Behanan, Dr Nalanda Jayadev (CEO, Aster Medcity), S K Abdulla (MD, VPS Lakeshore Hospital), Dr Junaid Rehman (Medical Director, Sree Sudheendra Medical Mission Hospital), KUWJ state president K P Reji and senior press club members also addressed the gathering.

The summit will conclude on Sunday with a valedictory function to be inaugurated by Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, with Kochi Mayor M Anil Kumar as chief guest. A memory walk titled “Healthy Steps at Marine Drive” is also planned.