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Taking the message to the masses
DID YOU know that the life-saving properties of blood were known to the Egyptians centuries ago? That the first transfusion experiment led to the death of a Pope, or that animal blood was actually used in ancient times until James Blundale told the world to stop bleeding the goats, declaring that human blood was best for humans!
The ``MEDTECH EXPO 2002'', an exhibition at the Achutha Menon Centre for Health Sciences Studies, has a little bit for everyone, the medical professional, the history-buff or the layman.
Organised as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Sri Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, the exhibition is also serving as a medium for one of the country's most prestigious tertiary centres to speak about itself.
Visitors to the show can instantly realise that the Sri Chitra centre is one among the many early institutions in the capital that simply cannot overstate gratitude to the royal family of erstwhile Travancore.
The proliferation of Kowdiar memorabilia is not at all out of place. Rather, it is only in the fitness of things that a sizeable section has been devoted to portray the various moods of the late ruler Chithira Tirunal.
History is palpable in the collection of photographs that include rare reprographic of historic transcripts issued under the former ruler's tenure, the special function organised by the Madras Corporation in connection with Chithira Tirunal's temple entry proclamation that democratised worship, the Nehru visit, the pillar signifying the triumph of Travancore forces against the Dutch in the famous Battle of Colachel, and the compliment from Queen Victoria that still adorns the halls of Kowdiar Palace.
The hospital's blood bank division, said to be one of the finest in the country, has put up rich details about the life-sustaining fluid. It also encourages voluntary donation as only three in thousand of the population donate blood, while only 20 per cent of them do so voluntarily. This is when the total requirement is a staggering 7.5 million units as against the roughly four million units that are actually available!
The bio-medical technology unit, which has produced a range of devices, including the high-profile TTK-Chitra heart valve, and various departments such as cardiology, neurology, bio-chemistry, microbiology, pathology and radiology are also participating in the event.
Among the catchy pavilions is the one set up by the Ernakulam Model Engineering College students with focus on young scientists.
A medical camp is also attracting health-conscious visitors. While a preliminary examination is conducted for a minimal fee of Rs. 50, follow-up investigations are proposed to be conducted at the Institute for those who require it.
The exhibition will close at 7 p.m. on March 10.
By M. Dinesh Varma
Photos: S. Gopakumar
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Life
Bangalore
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