Latest news with #Chidambara
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Sickle cell disease patients get disability certificates
MYSURU A total of 35 patients with sickle cell disease were given disability certificates at a health camp jointly organised by the Centre for Training, Research, and Innovation in Tribal Health (CTRITH) and the Department of Health and Family Welfare at Kollegal taluk hospital on Friday. Sickle cell disease has been identified as a genetic disorder in which red blood cells contort into a sickle shape, causing them to block blood flow and reduce oxygen delivery. Predominantly affecting tribal communities in India, sickle cell disease may cause chronic anaemia, pain, fatigue, acute chest syndrome, stroke, and a host of other health complications. According to a statement issued by the CTRITH, a total of 45 patients, along with 55 caregivers, participated in the free health camp, where they underwent a routine health check and medical consultation. The persons with sickle cell disease were successfully registered and certified under the Unique Disability ID (UDID) system, enabling them to access the government's disability benefits. 'This was not just another health camp. It marked a significant milestone by bringing together all diagnosed sickle cell disease patients from across the district under one roof and facilitating their disability certification,' the statement noted. The health camp was inaugurated by the Chamarajanagar district health officer, M. Chidambara, who said sickle cell disease was a genetic disease that not only required medical attention, but also strong community and family support for its prevention, early detection, and effective management. 'Today, our district has become the first in the State to issue disability certificates for people with sickle cell disease through a camp-based approach. This is a proud moment for us. This reflects our commitment to the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission and highlights the value of collaboration with organisations working in the field,' he said. Dr. Chidambara also emphasised the importance of genetic counselling and awareness among carriers to help prevent the birth of children with the disease. Genetic counsellor from JSS Medical College, Mysuru, Deepa Bhat, who is also the head of the sickle cell disease programme at CTRITH, acknowledged the leadership shown by Dr. Chidambara and nodal officer for the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Programme in Chamarajanagar district, Ravikumar. Dr. Bhat said Chamarajanagar was possibly the only district where regular and systematic sickle cell disease camps were being conducted. The health camp not only provided the patients with routine care, but also facilitated their disability certification, which is an essential step towards accessing government support, she added. Chamarajanagar district tuberculosis eradication officer Ravikumar, Kollegal taluk administrative medical officer Rajashekar, and the medical staff of Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra Hospital, B.R. Hills, also participated in the programme.
The Hindu
09-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
DHO urges public to keep their surroundings clean as monsoon approaches
District Health and Family Welfare Officer S. Chidambara has urged the public to keep their surroundings clean as the monsoon approaches. He was speaking at the launch of a rally organised in front of the Sri Chamarajeshwara temple in Chamarajanagar on Friday. The event was jointly organised by the district administration, zilla panchayat, the Department of Health and Family Welfare, and the office of the district vector-borne disease control officer, as part of World Malaria Day. Dr. Chidambara said that with the rainy season nearing, people must be cautious to prevent water stagnation around their homes and other areas, which can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes if left unchecked. Malaria is spread through mosquito bites, and to eradicate it, cleanliness must be maintained at every place, he advised. He said that Anopheles mosquitoes breed more during the rainy season, and therefore, it is essential to prevent water stagnation and maintain cleanliness in our surroundings. Larvivorous fish such as Gambusia and Guppy can be released in ponds and tanks to control mosquito larvae. If symptoms such as chills, fever, and sweating occur, people should visit the nearest health centre or hospital for treatment. Controlling mosquitoes is key to eliminating malaria, he noted. Stressing the importance of raising public awareness about malaria eradication, he said mosquito nets should be used to protect against mosquito bites. Malaria, as well as diseases like dengue and chikungunya, can be prevented with these measures, Dr. Chidambara said. District malaria officer Rajesh Kumar, District health education officer Doreswamy Naik, taluk health officer Srinivas, and others were present. Nursing college students participated in the rally, holding placards and spreading awareness about malaria eradication. The rally was flagged off at Sri Chamarajeshwara temple and concluded at the district administration building, passing through B. Rachaiah Circle.
