Karnataka Institute of Diabetology (KID), a dedicated facility for diabetics was inaugurated on Tuesday by Deputy Chief Minister Yediyurappa. With one in six being diabetic, this institute - an initiative of the Ministry of Medical Education promises not only patient care but also a thrust in research.

A sum of Rs 6 crore was allocated in the budget for setting up the institute. It will function as an autonomous institute and offer services at subsidised rates.

Latest facilities
KID will also have training and research programmes run by the institute said Minister for Medical Education, V S Acharya. KID will be equipped with a laboratory with the latest facilities, have literature on the disease and awareness programmes will be initiated as well. There will be an emphasis on community health and preventive aspects as well said Dr Acharya. Many had to travel to Chennai for treatment, henceforth it will be available in Bangalore, he added.

KID will run from Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology in three months time, until the centre is built in Indiranagar near Isolation Hospital, in the premises of a new super speciality 500 bedded hospital which is coming up, said said Dr Acharya. The Government also has plans to open branches in other parts of the State as well.  While it was plague and cancer which was rampant in the previous century, diabetes and AIDS are challenges of the 21 century, said Lok Sabha member Ananth Kumar, who was present on the occasion.

Efforts should be made to eradicate diabetes and institutions such as KID should lead the way, he said.

Frontier technology
As India is one of the top six countries when it comes to frontier technology, the country has the capability to make a mark in medicine and health as well, he said.  He urged the institute to take up new fields of study towards making it a world class institute.

Director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology Dr C Manjunath said five to six per cent of those who have heart attacks are diabetics.

HIGHLIGHTS

*Holistic care for diabetic patients
*Research facilities
*Laboratory facilities
*Training facilities
*Diabetes prevention programmes and awareness