BSM surgeons deal with deformities in kids

A child on the threshold of death, having been unable to eat for eight months, was rescued thanks to the Bal Shalyakriya Mission (BSM).

The six-year-old child had accidentally consumed a chemical and burned its oesophagus about eight months ago. “A keyhole invasive surgery was performed in 2017 free of charge. The child is leading a normal life now,” Dr Jayatheertha Joshi, assistant professor of Paediatric Surgery, told DH.

The BSM was launched by the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in collaboration Peedh Parai Foundation, Houston, US, and the Bantwal Ananth Mallya Charitable Trust.

Dr Anand Venugopal, medical superintendent at KMC Hospitals, Mangaluru, said, “Till January 21, children and youngsters up to 16 years of age with untreated complicated surgical conditions requiring very high surgical expertise are being screened. The defects detected are corrected free of cost by orthopaedic and paediatric surgeons at KMC Hospital, Attavar.”

The surgeon added that about 65 children have benefited from the services of BSM in 2017 and 2018, with surgeons handling their cases at KMC Attavar and Manipal. This is BSM’s third year of functioning.

Dr Sadashiva Rao, associate professor of Paediatric Surgery, KMC, said that many parents who cannot afford advanced treatment for their children should take help from BSM.

“Patients suffering from anorectal malformation, Hirschsprungs disease, Vesicoureteric reflux, Puj obstruction, Thoracic congenital anomalies and all types of unattended cases of paediatric surgery can be referred for the surgery,” he explained.

Dr Surendra Kamath, head of the Orthopaedics Department, said that, following requests, they had added a paediatric orthopaedics section to the BSM. “Children from Shivamogga, Kodagu, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Uttara Kannada and Davanagere districts as well as Kasargod, and Kannur districts of Kerala had been screened for BSM.’’

BSM Week from Feb 4 to 9

Dr Anand Venugopal said that the third BSM Week will be observed at KMC Hospital, Attavar, from February 4 to 9.

He also urged the district health authorities and Asha workers to get children with deformities screened and enlisted for the programme at BSM.

For any queries, people may contact the KMC Hospital at Attavar on 9108529022 or at 7022078002.