On Wednesday, October 8, Brahmavar's Rotary Samaj Mandir became the venue for a comprehensive medical camp dedicated to raising awareness about dementia, a condition increasingly prevalent among middle-aged and older individuals. The day-long initiative saw approximately 200 residents benefit from expert consultations and information sessions.
This vital community outreach was a collaborative effort, organized under the ambit of the Central government's Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) and the Senior Citizen Action Plan. Key partners included the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Udupi District Women and Child Development Department, and the Department for Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens. Further support came from the Udupi District Health and Family Welfare Department, Rotary Club Brahmavar, Senior Citizens Forum Brahmavar, and Dr. A.V. Baliga Memorial Hospital, Udupi.
Dr. Basavaraj Hubballi, Udupi District Health and Family Welfare Officer, inaugurated the camp. He pledged to bring such long-standing initiatives, running for the past 25 years, to the government's attention to secure necessary funding, anticipating greater public benefit. Dr. Latha Nayak, Udupi District Leprosy Eradication Officer, emphasized the crucial need for public awareness campaigns regarding non-communicable diseases like dementia.
The event featured Dr. P.V. Bhandari, a renowned psychiatrist and Director of Dr. A.V. Baliga Group of Institutions, Udupi, as a resource person. Dr. Bhandari provided detailed insights into dementia, explaining its identification and practical daily activities that can aid in its prevention. H. Pramod Shetty, President of Rotary Club Brahmavar, presided over the program. Other notable attendees included Arunkumar, Secretary of Rotary Club Brahmavar; Major Balakrishna Shetty, President of the Senior Citizens Forum; Vijayalakshmi, Women and Child Development Officer; and Dr. Manas from Baliga Hospital.
Rathna, District Differently Abled and Senior Citizens Empowerment Officer, delivered the welcome address. Vishveshwara Hegde expertly compered the proceedings, and Shivaji, Project Assistant for the District Disabled Welfare Department, concluded the event with a vote of thanks.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi