KOCHI:
The Indian Medical Association (Cochin Branch) has initiated an ambitious project under which those patients screened by conducting medical camps in flood-affected areas will be provided with free treatment for one year.
“We’re holding a total of eight camps to screen the needy patients. Four such exercises were already held at Kothad, Edavanakad, Mananthavadi and Kuttampuzha in which nearly 1500 people have been found needing follow up treatment. Another four camps will be held at Chengannur, Kumarakam, Idukki and Puthenvelikkara before March 31,” said Dr Junaid Rahman, President.
On the IMA’s year long plan, Rahman said a one-day Basic Life Support training will be imparted to 35, 000 children to make them aware of the first aid measures to be taken during emergency medical situations.
“If successful, the exercise will find place in the Guinness Book of Records. The current record for one day training beneficiaries is 27, 000 – in an event held at Chennai last year,” he said. The IMA has formed a Rapid Response Team based in Ernakulam General Hospital which will function in co-ordination with all the hospitals in the city.
It will hold a mini-marathon in April ahead of a campaign to free the city from mosquito menace. “We’ll also approach the city police chief to enforce the ‘No Horn’ zone in the MG Road section from Madhava Pharmacy Junction to Medical Trust.
Dr Haneesh M M, Secretary, Dr Salini Sudheendran, Joint Secretary, and former president Dr M Narayanan attended the press briefing held at IMA House here.