A successful Down Syndrome awareness camp was held at AMCH, Dibrugarh, organized by Dr. Giriraj Kusre. The event attracted over 60 participants out of 80 registered, offering extensive specialized services to support individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Location: Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), Dibrugarh

Organizers: Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh, in association with Down Syndrome Federation of India (DSFI)

Key Organizer: Dr. Giriraj Kusre and Dr. Surekha Ramachandran

Specializations and Services Offered:

  • Vision: Eye check-ups and vision care advice.
  • Dental: Dental assessments and oral health guidance.
  • Cardiology: Heart evaluations and management.
  • Speech Therapy: Therapy for communication skills.
  • ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat): Evaluations and treatments for related concerns.
  • Clinical Psychology: Psychological assessments and support.
  • Pediatrics: General health check-ups and developmental assessments.

Special Counseling Session:
Dr. Surekha Ramachandran provided insightful counseling to parents, offering practical advice and strategies for supporting their children with Down syndrome.

Interaction Session on Continuous Medical Education (CME):
A CME session titled “Taking Care of a Person with Down Syndrome from Birth Onwards” was held in the Oil Lecture Hall, AMCH. Dr. Surekha Ramachandran and Dr. Giriraj Kusre shared their expertise on the camp’s organization and management. Mridupawan Hazarika also contributed valuable insights.

Notable Attendees:

  • Dr. Sanjib Kakati: Principal of AMCH
  • Dr. Rajib Baruah: Joint Director of Health Services, Dibrugarh

Participants and Volunteers:

  • Nurses
  • Post Graduate Doctors
  • Medical Students
  • Doctors from AMCH
  • B.Sc Nursing Course Students
  • RBSK Team
  • Students and Staff from the Department of Anatomy
  • Students from the Department of Anthropology
  • DHSK College Students

Organizing Departments:

  • Genetic Lab
  • Department of Anatomy
  • RBSK-DEI Centre

New Initiatives:
In connection with the camp, a Parent Support Group for Dibrugarh was formed. This group aims to provide ongoing support and ensure that families are integrated into the DSFI network, facilitating continued access to resources, guidance, and community support.

Objective:
The camp aimed to deliver comprehensive health services and specialized care, while the CME session focused on educating medical professionals on managing Down syndrome from birth. The formation of the Parent Support Group represents a significant step towards building a supportive community for families affected by Down syndrome.

Impact:
The event was highly successful, enhancing awareness and providing essential services. The formation of the Parent Support Group further strengthened the support network for families, integrating them into the DSFI community and ensuring ongoing access to resources and support.