All the police stations and police booths in the city will now spread the word about kidney diseases. The Police department has joined hands with Tanker Foundation to sensitise their personnel and people about kidney problems.
On Monday, Police Commissioner T.Rajendran released the posters and leaflets that detail about kidney functions, symptoms of kidney diseases and ways to prevent them. The police stations would have the awareness posters featuring actor Suriya, goodwill ambassador of Tanker Foundation, on display.
The police personnel who participated in the meeting held at Police Commissioner’s office at Egmore were also encouraged to urge people to carry home the leaflets.
Mr.Rajendran said most police personnel who work erratic hours realise their health problems only in later stage. At least 10 per cent of them suffer medical problems.
He advised the participants to make lifestyle changes and lauded the contribution of traffic police towards promoting organ donation.
The Foundation’s Founder Trustee Georgi Abraham said of the nearly 70 persons screened at the Police Academy recently, 56 per cent were detected with high blood pressure and 30. 5 per cent were diabetic. He spoke on the Foundation’s goal to reach out to police personnel and also spread awareness about the disease to bring down the incidence of kidney problems.
He later clarified doubts raised by the participants about infections that may occur after kidney transplant, diet and the need for regular health check ups for people aged above 40.
The Foundation’s advisory member Rajalakshmi Ravi spoke on the importance of adhering to medication prescribed by doctors for lifestyle diseases. "A well-accepted disease is half treated now" as many people do not understand the complications and need to prevent disease, she said.
She stressed on the need to keep blood sugar level and blood pressure under control.
The Foundation’s Managing Trustee Latha A.Kumaraswami highlighted the activities of the organisation. Nearly 68,200 dialysis have been provided at subsidised rate in the past 16 years. About 160 awareness programmes have been conducted in educational institutions and public forums.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Shakeel Akhtar and the Foundation’s chairman Suresh Balaje were present.
