HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Delhi, in association with IAP, Delhi state, DSPS Delhi and Down syndrome federation if India, Organizes a health camp for children with Down syndrome

by Priya Jadhav

Delhi NCR  20^th March 2023: Dwarka-based HCMCT Manipal Hospital, in association with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Delhi state,  and the Down Syndrome Parent Society (DSPS),and DFSI organized a special health camp today, March 19, for children with Down syndrome. More than 70+ parents enrolled their children with Down syndrome in the multispecialty health camp. During this health camp, more than 30 subspecialties in Manipal hospital and Delhi NCR, participated and screened the children. Free echocardiography was also done.

The chief guest of the program was Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, who attended the program with his wife and had photograph sessions with jubilant children which he shared on the UN website. guest of honor was Mr. Rajesh Agarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment; and Dr. Surekha Ramachandran, Chairperson and Founder of the Down Syndrome Federation of India, Dr. Anurag Agarwal, President of IAP West Delhi; and Ms. Rashmi Joshi, President, DSPS, also interacted with the parents of the children with Down syndrome during this health camp. Meanwhile, children with Down Syndrome showed their versatility by performing Ganesh Vandana and reciting poems.  The children played around and enjoyed food, specially prepared for them.

Dr. Yugal Kishore Mishra, Chief of Clinical Services, Head of Cardiac Sciences and Chief Cardiovascular Surgeon welcomed the guests. HOD of Pediatrics and PICU, Dr. Vikram Gagneja tendered the vote of thanks.

The following points were emphasized by the Chief guest, guest of honor, and other specialists:

1. Down syndrome is caused by an excess (three) number of chromosome 21.
2. It is a condition and not a disease but it can be associated with multiple problems.
3. Children with Down syndrome have peculiar features, and slow growth; they must not be compared with a chronologically matched peer group and must be monitored on a separate growth chart.
4. They are trainable, employable, and joyous chaps and need sensitive handling.

During the health camp Dr. Smita Mishra, HOD and Consultant Cardiology Pediatrics at HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Delhi said “With an incidence of 1 in every 1000 live births. In 40-60% of children, congenital heart disease may be associated and must be recognized and treated on time so that developmental interventions can be done and maximum IQ can be attained.”

About Manipal Hospitals : As a pioneer in healthcare, Manipal Hospitals is among the top healthcare providers in India serving over 4.5 million patients annually. Its focus is to develop an affordable, high quality healthcare framework through its multispecialty and tertiary care delivery spectrum and further extend it to out of hospital care. With the completion of acquisition of 100% shareholding in Columbia Asia Hospitals Private Limited and Vikram Hospital (Bengaluru) Private Limited, the integrated network today has a pan-India footprint of 28 hospitals across 15 cities with 7,800+ beds, and a talented pool of 4,000 doctors and an employee strength of over 11,000.

Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive curative and preventive care for a multitude of patients from around the globe. Manipal Hospitals is NABH, AAHRPP accredited and most of the hospitals in its network are NABL, ER, Blood Bank accredited and recognized for Nursing Excellence. Manipal Hospitals has also been recognised the most respected and patient recommended hospital in India through various consumer surveys.