Calicut: Following a request from the Indian Orthopaedic Association in 2012, the Union Ministry of Health decided to observe ‘Bone and Joint Day’ on August 4 every year to focus on treatment related issues concerning bones and joints, and create awareness among people on the growing problems related to bones and joints. This year, rather than mere token celebration, Aster MIMS has taken the initiative to sensitize the people on the available treatment for bone and joint disorders which can alleviate suffering of the masses through a unique gesture.
This year, ‘Bone and Joint Day’ was observed at Aster MIMS by conducting a free Scoliosis surgery for a 16 year old girl from Aluva. The girl had come to Aster MIMS with deformity in alignment of the spine giving rise to a side-to-side curvature called ‘scoliosis’. As the degree of curvature was large, it was decided to treat it surgically. However, the patient’s family could not afford the cost of the surgery which would have come to around Rs.4 lakhs. After considering all aspects of the case and the fact that if not treated, the disability would affect the girl’s future while treatment would enable the girl to live a normal life, it was decided to conduct the surgery free of cost. The surgery was conducted yesterday by Dr. Suresh S Pillai, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon and his team.
Commenting on the free surgery, Dr. Suresh S Pillai said, ‘The purpose of observing Bone and Joint Day is not only to create awareness among bone and joint problems. It is also to encourage people to give back to society and we are pleased that we have been able to treat this teenage girl’s scoliosis free of cost to give her a chance to lead a normal life. The surgery went well and we expect the girl to be discharged after five days.’
Dr. Rahul Menon, CEO Aster MIMS Calicut added, ‘We hope that with this demonstration of a successful scoliosis surgery, the people of Malabar gain confidence in the medical facilities for scoliosis and spine surgeries in the region itself and don’t look for options in other states. With the best doctors across specialities supported by world class medical facilities at Aster MIMS, patients can avail the latest treatment of global standards right here in Calicut.
