Free diabetes treatment for children soon at RUHS in Jaipur

JAIPUR: Children battling diabetes will soon receive free medical examinations and treatments at the forthcoming Center for Excellence for Diabetes Type-1, expected to open its doors in the next two months.

The centre will be set up at Rajasthan University of Health Sciences.

Besides medical aid, the center aims to establish a comprehensive database to assist policy formulation based on the medical history of treated children of all ages.

Additionally, the center will offer training to parents, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to manage critical health situations.

A collaborative agreement between the Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS), Denmark, and the British High Commission is setting the stage for a more enhanced and global approach to diabetes management.

The accord will allow local medical practitioners to gain overseas exposure, learn advanced medical techniques, and participate in an exchange program. The shared focus is on expanding knowledge about medicine, investigation techniques, and treatment protocols.

An intensive brainstorming session focusing on the prevalence and management of diabetes in children is set for May 29 in Delhi. Among those participating will be many doctors, including the Vice Chancellor of RUHS, Dr. Sudhir Bhandari.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is giving special attention to tackling type-1 diabetes in children, a significant health concern.

Type-1 diabetes, a non-curable but manageable condition, occurs when the pancreas produces insufficient insulin due to genetic factors. It can cause life-long challenges if not managed properly. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, lethargy, and sleepiness. Regular blood sugar checks are vital for management.

Current statistics indicate that out of 100,000 children aged between 0-14 years, around 20-25 are affected, while the incidence rate among children and adolescents aged between 0-19 years stands at 0.3%. If left untreated, it can lead to complications affecting the heart, brain, kidney, and eyes. The disease can also increase risks of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke due to weak immunity and underdeveloped bodies in children.

In India, over 230,000 individuals under the age of 20 suffer from type-1 diabetes. The new Center for Excellence for Diabetes Type-1 is a result of the tripartite agreement signed between Denmark, the British High Commission, and RUHS, set to benefit from complete government support.

The center promises timely treatment and constant monitoring to control the disease effectively, says Dr. Sudhir Bhandari, Vice-Chancellor, RUHS.