Health Camp for Down Syndrome Patients on July 27 in Dibrugarh

M. Hasim Ali,Dibrugarh,Rongili Barta- A discussion on Down syndrome was held on July 13 at the Diagnostic Genetic Lab of the Physiology Department, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh. Down syndrome is a common genetic disorder observed in humans, and the population of Northeast India is no exception. This condition occurs due to the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, leading to delayed intellectual and physical development. Patients often suffer from congenital abnormalities, such as heart defects, and are prone to conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, leukemia, or Alzheimer’s disease, necessitating continuous medical and social support.  Due to a lack of knowledge and supportive groups, family members often face difficulties in managing these patients. The lack of infrastructure in Northeast India to support these patients results in neglect and a loss of human resources. In collaboration with the Diagnostic Genetic Lab, Physiology Department of Assam Medical College, RBSK, District Health Society, Dibrugarh, and the Down Syndrome Federation, a “Comprehensive Health Check-up Camp for Down Syndrome Patients” will be organized on July 27, 2024, at 8 AM at the DEL center on the Assam Medical College premises. The camp aims to examine any preventable health issues in patients, form support groups for guardians, develop infrastructure for training these patients, and make them employable. Additionally, the camp seeks to raise awareness about this condition in society, encouraging people to treat these individuals with love and compassion. This is the first camp of its kind in the Dibrugarh region. It is hoped that the camp will pave the way for infrastructure development to rehabilitate Down syndrome patients and, if possible, make them self-reliant.