SPS APOLLO HOSPITALS OBSERVES FIRST NATIONAL BONE AND JOINT DAY

Ludhiana, August 4th 2012: Stronger Bones Strong India – The strength of the nation is in your bones was the message that SPS Apollo Hospitals aimed to convey while observing the First Bone and Joint Day on 4th August 2012.  According to Dr. Harpreet Singh Gill, Senior Consultant and Head, Department of Orthopedics, SPS Apollo Hospitals and President of Punjab OrthopedicAssociation, stated that for the first time Government of India has declared 4th August as the ‘Bone and Joint Day’.

As part of the celebrations, a free bone and joint check-up camp was conducted at SPS Apollo Hospital, Ludhiana. Over 200 patients were examined at this free camp. Mr. Jugdiep Singh, Managing Director, SPS Apollo Hospitals inaugurated this mega event and stated that SPS Apollo Hospitals has always aimed to create awareness among people regarding the joint problems, which are often ignored by people. Dr. Gill presented him the first day cover release replica of the special stamp issued by Department of Postsfor the occasion.

Dr. Gill further stated that as part of the activities, a function was held in Chandigarh where His Excellency, Governor of Punjab, Mr.ShivrajPatil delivered a message on the National Bone and Joint Day for ‘Stronger Bones Stronger India’.  In addition to creating awareness regarding various bone and joint problems, every member of Indian Orthopedic Association (IOA) would be conducting one orthopedic surgery free of charge. That would mean nearly 10,000 free surgeries across the length and breadth of the country and would be a record of sorts as such a programme has never been conducted anywhere in the world.

Dr. Rahul Bhan, Senior Consultant, Department of Orthopedics, stated another area of activity would be regarding road safety. India has the dubious distinction of having the highest number of road traffic deaths in the world. Government statistics show that more than 1, 50,000 people have died last year. That means there is one death on the Indian road every 5-6 minutes. For every life lost there are five to six people who lose their limbs and another 10 require major surgical treatment to return back to normalcy. Hence, having a dedicated Orthopedic Day would help all concerned namely the Indian Orthopedic Association (IOA) and it’s state chapters, interested NGO’s to focus their efforts and resources towards this cause.

Dr. Gill added, joint problems are also on the increase because of the increase in life expectancy and there is a need for awarenessfor healthy joints. This day would focus on preventing Bone and Joint problems asthe strength of the nation is in your bones.