Mangaluru: The Mangalore Nephro-Urology Charitable Trust along with nursing colleges and NGO representatives from the city organised a Kidney awareness rally with the theme ‘Saving kidney serving nation’ here on January 13 at the Jyothi Circle.
Naleen Kumar Kateel inaugurated the rally. Mayor Mahabala Marla spoke on the occasion. He said that kidney disease can affect people of all ages and races. “It is good to see students taking part in this awareness campaign.”
The awareness rally started at the Jyothi Circle and culminated at the Nehru Maidan, with the volunteers handing out pamphlets containing essential information about the kidney and its ailments to the public. Students from Karavali Pharmaceutical and Nursing College, SCS College of Nursing, Unity Academy of Nursing and Yenepoya Nursing College participated in the rally.
There was a stage programme after the rally at Nehru Maidan. S Ganesh Rao welcomed the gathering. Speaking on the occasion he said, “I really appreciate the nursing students for taking part in this awareness campaign. This shows your professionalism. The rally is a success because of you.”
MLC Ivan D’Souza said, “Kidney does not take rest. There is no holiday for the kidney, so keep it healthy. Kidney is a very important organ in the body and to keep it healthy, we have to follow certain diets and system in our daily lives. Since you are nursing students, you are all aware of how to keep the kidney healthy. This means that you have to spread awareness to others. By organising this rally, you are spreading awareness. This is an important programme because it is better to prevent the disease rather than to cure it later. If all the citizens have a healthy mind and body, then our nation can do good progress.”
Dr Mohammed Saleem delivered the vote of thanks.
Similar awareness rallies were held in Bantwal, Puttur, Beltangady and Sullia. The rally was organised as part of the month long ‘Kidney Health Campaign’ from 13th Jan to 12th March which will witness a number of programmes including kidney disease screening, surveys and data collection of kidney patients, etc. On 12th March, a valedictory function will be held along with the celebration of World Kidney Day at Town Hall, Mangaluru. Padmabhushan Dr Manikantan from Chennai and Dr Vivek Patak from Coimbatore will be the chief guests.