`Epileptic patients can treat normal life'

TIRUCHI, NOV. 23. A fervent plea to erase the stigma attached to epilepsy by the society was made during the observance of the National Epilepsy Day, organised by the Department of Medicine, K.A.P. Viswanatham Government Medical College, and Annal Gandhi Government Hospital, here today.

Terming it to be a neurological problem, speakers emphasised that epilepsy was curable and epileptic patients could lead a normal life through proper medication. There was no problem in epileptic patients marrying and begetting children. An epileptic woman can give birth to a normal child and the affliction was not hereditary. Most of all, it had nothing to do with bad omen, and was prevalent at the rate of 4 to 6 per 1000, it was pointed out.

Inaugurating the function, the Collector, V. Pandian, assailed the conservative attitude of the people in preventing the people affected by epilepsy from having contact with the outside world. The same was the case with mentally retarded people, who were not allowed by family members to have contact even with the neighbourhood. There must be an outlet for such affected persons, said Mr. Pandian.

The Government, he said, had taken giant strides in providing health care to the poor, and the Annal Gandhi Government Hospital was fully equipped to treat breast cancer, and cardiology related problems. Several epileptic patients were being treated in the hospital. To avoid hassles, treatment was offered once a fortnight to such patients and medicines were provided for the interregnum.

Earlier, the Collector released a book on epilepsy, written by neurologist M. A. Aleem. The first copy was received by S.J. Nehru, Dean In-Charge, K. A. P. Viswanatham Government Medical College.

The Dean In-Charge, Annal Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital, V. Thirugnanam, said the hospital was treating 70 to 80 new patients every week, from Tiruchi and neighbouring districts of Pudukottai, Karur and Perambalur. The Government had provided the hospital with adequate equipment and medicines. Against the budget of Rs. 40 lakhs for medicines a year, the hospital actually made purchases for Rs. two crores, he said, thanking the district administration for its cooperation. Specifying the need for an exclusive Department of Neurology, Dr. Thirugnanam also stressed the importance of installing MRI facility in the hospital. Referring to the CT scan facility, he said as many as 60 patients enjoyed its benefit every day.

P. Gnanasekaran, Professor and Head, Department of Medicine, said epileptic patients were treated at the hospital between 8.30 and 10.30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Others who spoke included Thamizharasi, Resident Medical Officer, and S. Paneer Selvam, Professor.