Pushpalata, a resident of Sullia, had lost hope that her eight-year-old son, Karthik, would be able to sit. Diagnosed with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a rare condition, the boy felt pain all over his body. This made it difficult for him to lift his neck and he could hardly move his hands and legs because of swelling in the joints.
However, specific physiotherapy exercises at the Day Care Centre for Endosulfan Victims at Kokkada, 75 km from Mangaluru, followed by routine exercises at home since June last year brought about a drastic change in Karthik.
Now, he can sit and can move his head, hands and legs. “I have hope that my son will be able to walk normally,” said Ms. Pushpalata.
Karthik is among the seven children, aged between three and 10, who have been undergoing physiotherapy at the day care centre under the watchful eyes of physiotherapist Nijin M.S. “Within our limited resources, we are trying out various techniques and treatment to prevent permanent disability in these children. It’s a drawn-out process,” Dr. Nijin said.
20 people at the centre
The seven children are among the 20 people presently using the day care facility maintained by the Shree Kshtra Dharmastala Rural Development Project. The SKDRDP also runs another other day care centre for endosulfan victims at Koila in Puttur taluk. These two day care centres have been run since 2011 using funds provided by the State government.
The majority of those undergoing physiotherapy are those suffering from various forms of cerebral palsy.
There are also children suffering from Down syndrome, Global Developmental Delay and muscular dystrophy. Exposure to pesticide can be among the many reasons for these disorders, Dr. Nijin says.
A shed made of corrugated sheets, which is presently being modified to reduce heat, is where the children undergo physiotherapy sessions, each different depending on the child.
“I concentrate on specific exercises and train parents to follow the routine,” said Dr. Nijin, who keeps himself busy finding different ways of treatment.
“I spend a lot of time on the Internet and discuss with experts across the world to find ways that can result in improvement.”
Among the parents who are happy with the facility is Jayalakshmi, mother of six-year-old Deepika who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, from Hallingeri village, near Kokkada. She has been taking her there for the last three years and is happy that Deepika can now sit on the small rocking chair by holding on to the handle.
What is endosulphan ?
It is a widely-banned pesticide with hazardous effects on human genetic and endocrine systems.
April 29, 2011
- Global consensus reached on adding endosulfan to list of banned substances and phasing it out as an agrichemical
- Use of endosulfan banned by Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
- Under pressure from pesticide firms, India sought remission on the ban for 10 years
HAZARDOUS EFFECTS
- Delayed reproductive development (late sexual maturity)
- Autism
- Bioaccumulation (substance does not leave body)
- Endocrine disruption (stunting of hormones)
- Long-range contamination
- Neurotoxicity
- Long-range contamination
- Sensory Loss
May 13, 2011
Supreme Court of India issues temporary ban on production, storage and sale of endosulfan
Kerala and Karnataka are the only States which do not use the pesticide
Uses
Sprayed on crops like cotton, cashew, fruits, tea, paddy, tobacco etc. for control of pests in agriculture such as whiteflies, aphids, beetles, worms etc.
NEUROTOXIC
“Endosulfan blocks the inhibitory receptors of the CNS, disrupts the ionic channels and destroys the integrity of the nerve cells. ~ report of fact-finding mission
KASARGOD DISASTER
From the mid-70s, Kerala villages used aerial spraying of endosulfan on 4,600-ha. cashew nut plantation. Locals reportedly experienced illnesses, palsies and deformities
A look at how the pesticide destroyed biodiversity: > Read
A total of 188 people were affected by the pesticide and Kerala planned a health package for Palakkad. > Read
In 2014, efforts were taken to dispose off 314 litres of endosulfan stock. > Read
In 2015, it was announced that the victims could claim a sum of Rs. 50,000 to settle their bank loans. > Read
Latest developments:
Endosulfan victim families told to form a society that can manage a permanent rehabilitation centre for the victims. > Read
Giving hope to parents and their children, seven children go to Day Care Centre for Endosulfan Victims at Kokkada for physiotherapy. > Read
