Prof K.V Thomas, Member of Parliament, Ernakulam,

Shri Hibi Eden, MLA, Ernakulam,

Shri Mohammed Safirulla, District Collector, Ernakulam,

Ms. Soni Chikku, Panchayat President, Cheranelloor

Dr. Harish Pillai, CEO, Aster Medicity

Dr. Narayanan Unni, Chief of Medical Services, Aster Medicity

Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,

Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,

I am very happy to be amongst you to inaugurate the Center of Excellence in Orthopaedics and Rheumatology in Aster Medicity, Kochi. 

Let me at the outset, congratulate the management and staff of Aster Medicity on their success in establishing eight centres of excellence within two years of existence as a hospital. I have also been informed that Aster Medicity is a four unit health care with a 670-bed-multi-specialty hospital with centres of excellence in disciplines like Cardiac services, Neurosciences, Nephrology, Oncology, Women’s Health, Integrated Liver care etc., I understand that the center of excellence in Orthopaedics and Rheumatology is an addition to these modern facilities.

Health is one among the major criteria that decide whether a society is developed or not.  Fortunately, our small State of Kerala has been able to project itself as one of the most advanced societies in India, with achievements like low infant mortality rate and longer life span.  But, at the same time, we are at the threshold of a new fight against life-style and other diseases that are threatening the health of our people. In spite of the advances in Health that we boast of, we are also leading in the use of alcohol and in the number of suicides.

This points to the need for provision of the most modern treatment facilities at affordable rates. The Government of Kerala has initiated the Aardram scheme to upgrade medical facilities through a three step policy. However, the number of people seeking medical attention is quite high in Kerala and requires the active intervention of the private sector in providing modern health care to the people. Now that Kerala is slowly developing as a destination for health and wellness tourism, we need state-of-the-art facilities, in tune with global standards of quality that would attract the world to us.

It is satisfying to note that Aster Medicity has been able to clear the tests of quality by being the first Indian hospital to obtain recognition of the National Accreditation Board for Hospital and Healthcare Service Providers[NABH] within seven months of commissioning in 2015. It is also the first to bag accreditation for Nursing excellence and Emergency care, besides being the largest quaternary care centre in Kerala.

Though people of Kerala and India in general are well aware of the medical facilities available for cardiac and other issues, their concern for Orthopaedic and Rheumatological ailments is not very high. This could be because of either a lack of understanding or because Orthopaedic and Rheumatological issues do not appear as immediate threats to one's life. Even though India offers one of the best services in terms of expertise and technology in dealing with such ailments, many people are deterred by the cost factor, which is generally believed to be very high. But, among populations that make use of social security and health insurance benefit schemes, more people are coming forward to be treated in the modern methods.

In Kerala, it is the cost factor, coupled with the fear of failure that make many people reluctant to go in for surgical treatments. Often, they go for traditional methods and end up in severe deformities that may need more complex surgeries to rectify. With limited mobility, such patients also find it hard to contribute anything to society, thus making it more of a social loss than a personal problem. However, I understand that of late, with the advances in treatment procedures,Orthopaedic surgery is not too costly, especially when it gives relief from pain and corrects deformities, thereby ensuring social andvocational rehabilitation.

Perhaps, it is this aspect that made even the World Health Organization's studies state that a Joint replacement surgery incurs lesser cost than a continued treatment of hypertension and diabetes.

It is well known that Arthritis is a major health issue which has affected nearly 30% of the Indian population. But, it is sad to see life style being a cause for Orthopaedic diseases.  Osteo-Arthritis and Osteo-Porosis have become common due to our life styles and their prevention should start from the school age.  I would suggest inclusion of such information in the school syllabus, as has been done by many advanced nations.

Though our school syllabi make generalizations about the importance and benefits of exercise, they do not dwell in detail about issues like maintaining body weight, effect of healthy food and sunlight and the negative effects of carbonated drinks and junk food etc.  And, the trend of the youth is towards following the junk food culture of the West, which is very dangerous. I sincerely hope that the Aster Medicity's proposed School Health Programme will address such issues also.

       It is gratifying to note that trauma care has been given great importance in this hospital, with a 24 hour emergency care wing for accident victims. I am certain that the digital integrated facilities, which are the first of their kind in South Asia and the Critical care units with facilities that excel those in any hospital in South India will be an asset to the health care scene in Kerala.

       Here, I feel that a word about the social aspect of healing will not be out of place. Let us not forget that a medical condition may not be just an ailment, but a social issue that needs urgent medical and social intervention.  I would also remind you to be very cautious of the range of ethical issues, which widens with every technological advancement. All these call for a larger social vision on the part of doctors and hospitals.  The facilities that you have set up have to be made accessible to the common man also. I hope Dr. Azad Moopen and his team at Aster Medicity will devise programmes that would take the benefits of such facilities to the people who cannot afford such treatment.

       I compliment the Management and Staff of Aster Medicity for organizing this function in befitting manner and wish the organization success in their future endeavours.

Ellaavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal

Nanni

Jai Hind