Ortho docs offer to do 10,000 free surgeries

Over 10,000 orthopaedic surgeons have pledged to do 10,000 free surgeries to the tune of R25 crore this month. This they say, will be an annual practice to help all “not at fault” people in need of surgeries — meaning road accident victims.

Over 10,000 orthopaedic surgeons have pledged to do 10,000 free surgeries to the tune of Rs. 25 crore this month. This they say, will be an annual practice to help all “not at fault” people in need of surgeries — meaning road accident victims.

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The Indian Orthopaedic Association announced its first- ever ‘Bone and Joints Day’ on August 4. This is a day when all orthopaedicians will come together to help trauma victims.

“National data shows that 1,60,000 people died on roads last year, and this is a highly underreported figure as covers only those who died on the spot, but what about those who sustained injuries and died in hospitals or homes days or months later?” said Dr. S. Rajasekharan, president, Indian Orthopaedic Association.

“There is at least one death on Indian roads every six minutes, meaning 10 deaths every hour. Going by these official figures it will not be surprising if there are at least 100 bone and joint injury cases every hour,” he said.

“If all of them did one surgery free in the month July 4- August4, when we celebrate bone and joint day, it is hardly an effort but will go a long way in helping the victims and the cause,” said Dr Rajesh Malhotra, professor, department of orthopaedics at All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

Meanwhile, Apollo Hospital in association with Delhi Orthopaedic Association also organized a public interaction and panel discussions on bone and health problems on Friday.

“Problems such as arthritis and osteoporosis among the ageing population are fast becoming a major cause of disability. At least two million new cases with debilitating arthritis or lower back pain are being reported every year and the conditions are both preventable and treatable if professional help is sought in time,” said Jaideep Gupta, managing director, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. “It is important to observe the health day as it gives both doctors and patients an occasion to take a serious note of these diseases,” he said.