World Diabetes Day was celebrated at Durbar Hall Ground, Cochin at 7.30 am today by Cochin Eye Foundation, Ranjini Eye Hospital and Indian Medical Association Cochin branch, in association with Airtel. District Collector Dr. M. Beena gave the World Diabetes Day Message, Dr. N. S. D. Raju, Director, Ranjini Eye Hospital welcomed the gathering, IMA President, Dr. Abraham K. Paul, and Physician Forum’s Secretary, Dr. Geetha Philip spoke on Diabetes Mellitus, especially regarding diabetes in children and adolescents, which is the theme of the World Diabetes Day 2008. Dr. Biju Raju, Director, Patient Services, Ranjini Eye Hospital, who was the chief organizer of the event, proposed the vote of thanks. The event was Conducted and supported by the Indian Medical Association, Cochin branch, Ranjini Eye Hospital, Vyttila and Airtel.
A unique aspect of the event was the release of the balloon logo of the World Diabetes Day 2008 by District Collector Dr. M. Beena, following which the entire gathering of more than 400 participants, released their blue and white balloons, symbolizing the observance of the global theme on Diabetes. Free blood check up for diabetes was done for the participants.
This was followed by the global diabetes walk which was flagged off by IMA President Dr. Abraham K. Paul. Certificates of attendance were issued to all the participants. A screening camp for diabetes and diabetic retinopathy was conducted from 9.00 AM to 3.00 PM at Ranjini Eye Hospital where blood sugar test and retinal evaluation for diabetic retinopathy was done free of cost.
Activities
Ranjini Eye Hospital Glows in Blue The highlight of the program was the interview with Ms. Vidya, a juvenile diabetic who at the age of 13 was blinded by total diabetic cataract, underwent surgery at out hospital and gained 6/6 vision. We hope her talk inspires confidence in many.
Blue illumination of Ranjini Eye Hospital for 3 days.
2 yr old Ishaan Enjoys Leading the Walk 450 persons participated in the program. Free blood sugar check was available for all at the site. The District collector delivered the WDD message. The walk was organized by Cochin eye foundation, Ranjini Eye Hospital and Indian Medical Association. AIRTEL, the mobile phone company sponsored the event. Awareness on Diabetes and Diabetes in Children was highlighted by Dr. Abraham K Paul, the president of Indian Medical Association and by Dr. NSD Raju, Medical Director, Ranjini Eye Hospital. A huge logo made out of balloons was released by the collector Dr. Beena and exactly after 3 seconds all the participants released blue balloons.
Free Blood Sugar Checkup
The GDW 08 was flagged off by Dr. Abraham K Paul, President IMA. The highlight of the walk was the participation of 2year old Ishaan, who led the walk for 5 minutes.
Ishaan was a premature baby and had a very tough postnatal period. All participants were given free Global Diabetes Walk T shirts and Bandannas.Certificate of participation was handed over to the participants by Dr. NSD Raju.
Diabetes screening and Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy camp at Ranjini Eye Hospital - 100 individuals screened for diabetes and diabetic retinopathy at the free camp.
Contributed by
Dr. Biju Raju
Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon,
Ranjini Eye Hospital.
