KOCHI:
World Lupus day observation, organized together by Lupus Trust India, Kerala Arthritis and Rheumatism Society and Dr. Shenoy’s Care hospital, has been inaugurated by Dr. Binoy J Paul, President, Kerala Chapter of Indian Rheumatology Association.
“Common people are least aware about diseases like Lupus and the activities of organizations like Lupus Trust India which is initiated by Lupus patients themselves is inevitable”, he said in the inaugural address. Film star Aparna Balamuraly was the chief guest.
Lupus Arogya Fund, a project initiated by Lupus Trust India to financially help the poor Lupus patients, got started as part of the Lupus day observation. The first cheque to this project was handed over to the trustees by Aparna Balamurali.
Dr. Padmanabha Shenoy, Founder of Care hospital and ambassador of Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology, presided over the meeting. He said that every hospitals should start Arthritis -Rheumatology departments so that the patients will get proper care and support. An awareness seminar was also conducted on this year’s Lupus day theme ‘Lupus and Mental Health’.
Lupus is a disease caused due to the defect in the immune system of the body which can be kept under control with proper medical care. Women between the age group of 15 and 45 are mostly affected by the disease. Dr. K. Narayanan and Dr. Arun Kumar, consultant rheumatologists at care hospital, Dr. Yogesh Singh, Dr. P. Sivaraj Rao,Dr. Indhu k Gopi, President, Lupus Trust India, and Adv.Indhulekha Joseph, Secretary, spoke during the occasion.
To donate to ‘Lupus Arogya Fund’- Lupus Trust India, Federal Bank, Account number- 10580200019205, IFSC- FDRL0001058.