Mangalore: Father Muller hosts conference on electrocardiology
Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)
Mangalore, Sep 29: The Mid-term ISECON 2013 conference hosted by Father Mullers Medical College (FMMC) in association with Indian Society of Electrocardiology was inaugurated by minister for road, transport and highways Oscar Fernandes at Decennial hall, FMMC on Saturday September 28.
Addressing the gathering, Oscar Fernandes said, "No machine can be comparable to heart, it mainly depends on a person’s lifestyle’. Through this conference, we can share experiences and knowledge, and most importantly, students can get idea on how to manage the heart."
He added, "In our country, there are several people who get diseases due to malnutrition and on the other hand there are people who get diseases by eating more food as well.
"Decision has been taken already to covert ESI hospitals into medical colleges and in this regard, 30 new medical colleges and 12 post graduate colleges will be established," he informed.
Dr A V Shetty, senior cardiologist of the city said, "ECG is one of the oldest equipment used to detect heart diseases and has a history of over 100 years. Even then, ECG has not lost its charm as it is a cost-effective and one can do over 100 ECGs per day."
Terming heart disease as a major killer, Dr Shetty said treatment has improved over the years and the mortality rate has decreased to 5-6 percent from 30 percent. "I am sure it will improve much in coming days," he added.
"In ECG, people often make mistakes but conferences like these highlights our mistakes so that we do not repeat them," he said, adding, "The quality of life in our country is lagging behind compared to other countries and attention needs to be given in this direction," he said.
Fr Patrick Rodrigues, director of FMCI in his presidential address said, "Currently the nation is deeply concerned about the economy as rupee value is falling. But health of the people poses equal danger to the economy.
"As per various studies, non-communicable diseases have incurred an expenditure of Rs 6.2 trillion dollars in the year 2012-13. The non-communicable diseases can impact the economy, create burden and create immense pressure on the public health expenditure," he said.
"A study by the World Economic Forum and Harvard Health Institute states that 12.5 percent reduction in heart disease could create savings of 25 billion dollars," he added.
Stating that this conference mainly aimed at creating awareness among people, Fr Patrick said, "We think of high-end procedures to treat heart diseases, when even a normal ECG could be used to address the problem, and hence awareness should be created in this regard."
MLA J R Lobo, Blossom Fernandes, wife of minister Oscar Fernandes, Dr J P Alva, dean of FMMC, Fr Richard Coelho, administrator of FMMCH, Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa, administrator of FMMC, Dr S B Gupta, president of ISE, Dr Amit Vora, honorary secretary, Dr H Prabhakar, organizing secretary, Dr Venkatesh, HOD-medicine among others were present.
Nantoor flyover project to resume
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the programme, minister Fernandes commented on the Nantoor flyover project and said, "The project will restart soon and all the necessary equipment have been shifted. The project was sanctioned earlier but was re-taken.
Briefing about his visit, the minister said he will visit Shirady Ghat and will check whether the road can be extended or any alternative measures can be taken. On Sunday September 29, the minister will visit Suratkal and Kundapur highways and will hold discussions with the officials.