It may come as a surprise to many that there are more than 1000 children with insulin requiring diabetes in Coimbatore and adjoining districts. There are around 1 Lac children throughout India with Type 1 diabetes. This differs from Type 2 diabetes (adults) in that these children need lifelong insulin injection, usually four times a day. If not done properly, this will lead to diabetic coma and death. At KMCH, we have nearly 400 children with this condition with many families from poor socio-economic status. Cost of insulin and consumables along with hospital admissions are extremely high. The good news is that if they are treated properly with insulin or given a gadget called “Insulin pump” (a clever device that pumps insulin continuously) they lead normal happy healthy lives.
Dr.Nalla G Palaniswami – Chairman, KMCH in association with Rotary club of Coimbatore Central and Idhayangal Charitable Trust (www.idhayangal.org), a charity dedicated to help poor children with type 1 diabetes, have joined hands to support poor underprivileged children with Type 1 diabetes, through a project named “ PROJECT KATHIR, A RAY OF HOPE”. This project was inaugurated at KMCH Hospital on 27th April 2019. Around 40 children are benefited from this project, which will support lifesaving Insulin treatment, consumables and Insulin pumps. Each pump Costs Rs.1.5lacs and will be life changing for these children. Dr.Nalla G Palaniswami has pledged continued support for these children.
According to Arivudai Nambi, President of Rotary Club of Coimbatore Central, this Rotary International grant project was possible due to collaboration of Rotary Club of Coimbatore Central with Rotary Club of Necketral, Switzerland and Rotary Club of Sterling, USA. The Project cost is $94,000/-(approx. Rs66 Lakhs).
Rtn. PP.Lakshmanan, Rotary District Director said that this project will transform the lives of the benificiaries. Hemant Shah, Asst Governor, RI Dist 3201 and Rtn Ilango GGR of RI Dist 3201 participated in the function.
Dr.Krishnan Swaminathan, Founding Trustee of Idhayangal Charitable Trust thanked all stake holders for their support towards such deserving children.