Shun stigma related to seizures: Doctor

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 30

In view of ‘International Purple day’ Department of Neurology has organised “Epilepsy Awareness Programme” at Dayanand Medical College Campus.

Cassidy Megan, founder of Purple day, Halifax, Canada was also present on the occasion who has come to India for epilepsy awareness campaign at various locations.

Main purpose of Cassidy is to get people talk about epilepsy and dispel the myths, to increase general public awareness, empower the individuals living with epilepsy and remind those who live with seizures are not alone and they can live normal life.

The event was formally inaugurated by the Chief Guest Dr Parvinder Pal Singh Sidhu, Civil Surgeon Ludhiana and lauded the efforts of the DMCH, for taking an initiative to conducting this informative programme and said that three level of sensitization programme, are also conducted for primary care physicians, auxiliary nurse midwifery (ANMs) and Accredited social health activists (ASHAs) workers by the DMCH with the motive to provide home-based care for the patients.

Secretary DMCH Prem Kumar Gupta said that DMC actively involved in providing care to the poor people with epilepsy. The Project known as CIFE (Community Interventions for Epilepsy) has been started since 2017. DMC is also very proactive and provides pre- surgical evaluations and care for the people in whom epilepsy is not controlled by medications.

Dr Gagandeep Singh (Professor and HOD Department of Neurology) said that the main purpose of conducting this event to reduce the social stigma related to epilepsy.

Concept of Purple day

The Purple Day was founded by Cassidy Megan, in 2008, when she was 9 years old and was motivated by her own struggle with epilepsy. First Purple Day event was held on March 26, 2008 and is now known as the Purple Day for Epilepsy campaign. Cassidy is the first person who has taken an initiative for epilepsy awareness campaign worldwide.