alpha news vol-10 english f

8/9/2019 Alpha News Vol-10 English f

1/16

ALPHA NEWS 2010 FebruaryVol. 10For Private Circulation

Alpha Pain Clinic, Edamuttam, Thrissur, Kerala, India, Ph:- 91 480-2835 100, 2835 200, E-mail : [email protected], website:www.alphapainclinic.in

Inner Leaves2

3

6

8

11

15

A young tide ready to sweep youaway from your miseries

Alpha Hospice at KaipamangalamO.P.Clinic started

A touch of hope in hopelessnessA Ray of Joy in their life

An unexpectedmiracle

Sumesh became the trend setter for Thankamani & Mohanan

Lets fill new colour in their dreams


2/16

ALPHA NEWS 2

I n Palliative Care Scenario the mostunattended area is that of the permanently bedridden. It may be due to the misconception

that Palliative Care is the concerned medical aidprovided to the cancer patients who are in theend stage. This drifted the attention from thepermanently bedridden and incapacitated patients.

Though these patients are permanently incapacitated they have sound vital organs, thuscan live for many more years. There are many reasons which make people permanently bedridden.

People paralysed below waist (Paraplegics),people paralysed below neck( Quadriplegics),People who have brain hemerage(Cerebro

vascular disease), people who are paralysed afteraccidental injury caused to backbone & brain andpeople affected by parkinsonism fall into thiscategory.

Palliative Care can aim at streabgthening thebedridden to walk back in life.

Treatment should be provided to such patientsunder the constant supervision of a Neurologist.In order to handle depression a psychiatrist isessential and arrangements for frequent counselling to boost their self confidence. Providing physiotherapy with modern equipments isessential.

The first step is to classify patients into differentcategories as discussed earlier. After that they areto be put into different clubs. Get together haveto be organized so as to help social interaction

with fellow patients involvement. Along withphysiotherapy they can be engaged in some kindof social work which provides emotionalstrength, involvement in cultural activities can alsoentertain and provide them joy in life.

Each patient should be assigned with shortterm and long term goals which suit their physical

ailment. Occasionally the progress should beassessed and the result should be recorded.Photographs showing the progress at differentstages will help to make a sound assessment.

Its true that all permanently bedridden patientscannot get back to the common stream of life.But, at this stage, gaining ability to turn to a sidemay considerably improve the quality of theirlife. Similarly a bedridden patient could gradually attain strength to sit or those who could sit canafford to stand or take a step or two forwardsurely can add life to their days.

Alpha conducted some experiments on suchpatients under the guidance of Consultant

Neurologist, Dr. Syam, Physiotherapist Dr.Bijesh, Dr. Anjay and Dr. Jayaraj. The team of doctors was supported by psychiatrist Dr. Sailajaand Psychologist Ms. Jintumol.27 years old Sumeshs life stands proof of amajestic victory achieved by this endeavour. Atthe age of 22 Sumesh got paralyzed partially afterfalling from an arecanut tree. But now he meetshis family needs by selling lottery tickets walking

without any support through the streets of S.N.puram, Kodungallur. This is a major achievement

which proves that multi-specialty approach couldbring ray of hope in the lives of many suchpatients.

L e t s f il ln e w c o lo uri n t h e ir d r e a m s

- Editor


3/16

3ALPHA NEWS

P eople from the cultural capital of Kerala from timeimmemorial have gone crazy viewing the exemplary Kudamattam at Thekke Gopuranada. But on October 8,2009 the people of Temple Town witnessed a massivemarathon peopled by students representing colleges affiliatedto University of Calicut, students from town based schools,

volunteers and social workers. The rally was a proclamationthat the patients are not alone and that there are hearts toshare the agony of patients.

The event was organized by Alpha Pain Clinic inassociation with Calicut University National Service Schemeon World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. Students from

various streams especially Law, Medicine, Engineering, Artsand Science and Nursing stood proudly behind their collegebanners. Donned in white T-Shirt with the logo of the day.It was an open plea to all to join hands with thousands of grieving and suffering chronic patients and help them mitigatetheir sufferings.

The Marathon was flagged off at 9.30 a.m. by IG(Central Zone) Mohammed Yasin IPS. The Calicut University NSS Co-coordinator Prof. A.B. Moideenkutty, Alpha PainClinic Chairman Mr. K.M.Noordeen, Chief Programmeco-ordinator Prof. A.B. Abbas led the marathon. The headsand teachers of different colleges of the district also gavethe leadership. After the Marathon the seminar on Studentsfor Palliative Care was inaugurated by Fr. Dr. Devassy Panthallukkaran at Regional Theatre. Prof. A.B.Moidennkutty

gave the presidential address and Alpha Chairman spokeon the issue.

WORLD HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE DAY CELEBRATION

Dr. T.P Jameela, Principal, K.K.T.M. College,Kodungallur, Dr. N.D.Inasu, Principal, St. Allocious CollegeElthrurthu, Prof. K.N.Ramesan, N.S.S. DistrictCoordinator, Dr. Latha Raj, Guidance Cell Coordinatorof Govt. Engineering Collge, Mr. Awas Master etc. werethe dignitaries who felicitated the occasion. Prof. A.B.Abbasdelivered the welcome speech and Mr. C.L. Joy the voteof thanks.

The seminar was highly inspiring which kindled virtueretained in the heart of each student. What could be doneby them in the campus was the flame ignited in every soul.Lot many parameters were discussed by the resourcepersons such as campus group, sharing fellow classmatesagony, visiting the patients in the near by locality, providing aid to educate their wards finding solutions to patientsproblem etc. all without effecting their study.

Let the campus be prepared to ignite a flame of mercy in every hearts.

Fr. Dr. Devassy Panthallookkaran inaugurating the seminar at Regional Theatre.

S t u d e n t s f o r P a l l i a t i v e C a r e


4/16

ALPHA NEWS 4

I t was in association with NSS Calicut University fraternity and Janamythri project under Kerala Police that

Alpha Palakkad unit conducted the Palliative Care day celebrations. NSS volunteers from various colleges, studentsfrom other educational institutions including professionalcolleges and delegates from Kerala Police participated inthe marathon. Mr. Vijay Sakhare IPS S.P. flagged off themass run. District Collector Mr. A.T.James IAS inauguratedthe seminar that followed at Town Hall, palakkad. Thechairman engaged the class on Palliative Care. Dr. P.Muralidelivered the keynote address. Prof. Gopinath and Mr.K.Radhakrishnan included this speakers.

P a ll i a t iv e C a r e D a y C o m m e m o r a t e da t A l p h a P a l a k k a d C e n tr e

Mr. A.T.James IAS, District Collectot, Palakkad inaugurating the Seminar at Town Hall, Palakkad.

Scenes from Seminar & Marathon.....

WORLD HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE DAY CELEBRATION, THRISSUR


5/16

5ALPHA NEWS

Alpha Pain Clinic is a charitable organization, whichdevotes its time, energy and resources to deliver palliativecare to patients with advanced progressive illness. Our visionis to achieve the best quality of life for the patients and theirfamilies.

In the Year 2009, we have started three chapters atperipheral locations such as Karalam, Thanyam andKoorikuzhi. We have been able to ensure effective executionof our goal of delivering quality medical care in these areas.

We have also started a fully equipped physiotherapy unit with a fulltime physiotherapist.

One area of concern has been the shortage of humanresources. We firmly believe that human resources formthe basis of achieving our vision and drive the collectivestrength of our demands of delivering palliative care. Hence

we intend to lay a special emphasis to nurture and developtalent, so as to evolve a strong team of committed andempowered team of personnel to achieve our vision.

I express our sincere gratitude to our donors forproviding continuous support. I also wish to express my appreciation to our employees, honorary members and our

volunteers for their dedication and commitment.I express my sincere appreciation to the Board of

Directors for their continued support, cooperation and trustreposed in us.

S U M M A R Y O F M E D I C A L S E RV I C E S 2 0 0 9Dr. JAYARAJAN P. , MBBS CCPPM

Head, Medical Division

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2009

Total number of patients under the care of Alpha PainClinic (as of December 2009) went up by 26%, from 689to 865.

Total number of registrations of new patients went upby 15 %, from 695 to 802.

Total number of registrations of new patients withcancer also went up by 7 %, from 384 to 418.

Total number of registration of new patients withdiseases other than cancer (Non Cancer) has gone up by 27 %, from 306 to 384.

Total number of inpatient admissions up by 5%, from389 to 411.

Total number of Day Care services up by 8%, from134 to 145.

Total number of Outpatient services up by 23%, from2832 to 3501.

Total number of Doctors Home Care services has gonedown by15%, from 703 to 595.

Total number of Nurses Home Care services has gonedown by 1%, from 2723 to 2691.

SERVICE STATISTICS OF ALPHA PAIN CLINIC, YEAR 2009THRISSUR PALAKKAD

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Total 2008 2009 Total GrandTotal

Total New Registration 311 348 442 695 802 2597 64 117 181 2778

Total Death 89 237 361 422 623 1732 17 77 94 1826

Present Patients in Alpha Care 222 333 414 687 865 47 87 952

Total Nursing Home visits 754 2433 2563 2723 2691 11164 67 212 279 11443

Total Doctors Home Visits 419 444 365 703 595 2526 117 324 441 2967

Total Out patients service 552 1004 1931 2832 3501 9820 73 252 325 10145

Total In patients admissions 0 23 97 389 411 920 0 0 0 920

Total Day Care 0 54 210 134 145 543 0 0 0 543


6/16

ALPHA NEWS 6

Alpha Hosp ice a t Ka ipam anga la mO . P. C l i n i c s t a r t e d

A s part of an effort to revitalise Prof. Appu MasterMemorial Snehasadanam, which is in a defunct state forthe past few years, Alpha has started OP service there inassociation with Mathilakam Block Panchayath. This is aninitial step towards making a ful fledged hospice for thedeserted bedridden old. Mr. K.P.Rajendran, Hon. Revenue

minister inaugurated the project in a function presidedover by Mr. T.N.Prathapan MLA. Mr. K.M.Noordeen,Chairman delivered the keynote address. Mr.P.M.Ahammed, Chairman, Mathilakam block panchayath, Advo. T.R.Rameshkumar, Vice President,District Panchayath, Mr. C.M.Velayudhan, Vice President,Mathilakam Block Panchayath, Prof. P.A.Ameer Ali, Mr.P.A.Mohammed Ali, Hamsa Vaippippadath, Ms.AnithaBabu, Ms. Vasantha Nakulan felicitated.

Mr. K.P.Rajendran , Revenue Minister inaugurating the O.P Clinic a joint venture of Mathilakam block panchayath and Alpha Pain Clinic at Kaipamangalam beach.

A lpha Pain Clinic Karalam panchayath chaptercelebrated its third anniversary with a get together on

January 31st. The programme commenced on 11 a.m. atKaralam community hall. The family members of patientsregistered at Alpha Pain Clinic, volunteers and staff

members participated in this get together. The family meet gave for the patients an opportunity

to register their grievances and suggestions unconditionally.

This association decided to improve the quality of services offered, especially over the rehabilitation work.

At 2 p.m. cultural programmes of the children of AlphaKalavedi were staged. Public meeting commenced at. 3.30p.m. The meeting was graced by the presence of popular

personalities from the social and cultural fields. Fr. DavisChirammel, Mr. Asokan Charuvil and Mr. Ravunnifelicitated.The meeting concluded after a general awarenessclass on Cancer by Dr. C.D.Varghese.

A lp h a K a r a l a m c h a p t e r c e l e br a t e di t s t h ir d a n n iv e r s a r y


7/16

7ALPHA NEWS

C O N C E R NK.M.Noordeen

I visited Santas house along with volunteer Shaji and nurse Sheeja. Santais a Parkinsons patient. She is in Alpha

Palliative Care since early 2006. Thepurpose of our visit was to understandthe non-medical problems faced by thepatient and the family.

We took a turn off the asphaltedroad and got onto a sand track leading to a residential area. We drove into anarea full of trees, mostly coconut treesuntil we reached a dead end. We parkedthe car there and walked on. Shaji, theleader of the small team, was confidenthe knew the locality well.

That is Santas house Shaji said,pointing his hand to a hut 200m away.

We walked through a narrow strip of land, on one side of which was a smallpaddy field. We then finally reachedSantas house.

It was a small hut made of coconutleaves. There were three old plasticchairs of three different colours and a

wooden bench. To the right of us, asmall area was separated to make itlook seem like a room. I assumed it

was their bed room. At the back, there was a kitchen- another, separate, tiny hut.

Santa received us with a hearty smile. Her full set of white teeth wasin good shape. Suddenly the smile

vanished. It gave way to grief. She triedto smile again but ended upcrying.

When she smiled, Santas face waslike a car on high beam- Full of light!But when she wept, it turned our whole

world into darkness.Do you feel any pain or discomfort

now? Nurse Sheeja enquired.I donthave any pain ever since I startedregularly consuming medicines given by

Alpha, Santa replied.Do you try to do any household

work by yourself? Sheeja again.I manage to walk without falling

down but my hands do not reach where I wanted them to be Santasaid. I have trained my children to

wash rice and cook it in a pot of water.But their father has to come to makecurry. We could glance a bit of romance flashing across her face!

Santas husband is a heart patient.He cant do any hard labour. Today,the children have no school so he hasgone out, Volunteer Shaji explained.

He buys fish from the vendors inthe sea shore, take it to the nearby townand sell to various houses by going around. We are pulling on with themeagre profit he could earn from thistransaction. He is not well to go outevery day. Then these childrenwe are

waiting for them to grow up..Santa could not complete herstatement.

Every day we are looking at thehands and legs of the children to seehow much more they have grown.Santa started unloading her parcel of sorrows. Vinod is in 10 th standard.

After his big examination what will hedo? We have no idea. I want him tostudy further. His father is of the sameopinion. But our situation. Santabecame emotional, despite her bestefforts to control. Her mind was fullof concern for the future of the family.

A 15 year old son and a 9 year olddaughter were the main focus of herconcern.

I have become a patient. I amunable to do anything meaningful forthem. If I am no more what will betheir future? Will they get into badhabits? How they will completeeducation? Will they have a goodquality life? How the family will surviveif husbands health deteriorates? Will it

affect the very existence? Sorrows overtook her. Tearscreated two rivers on her face.

How to console Santa? Shaji lookedat me.

Where are the children? I asked.Santas daughter who has been

hiding behind the door came out andstood behind her mother. Vinod cameforward. He was tall and lean.

Which grade are you in now? Iasked.

In 10 th. Vonods reply wasshort.Whats the best result you expectin the forth coming publicexamination?

I will pass

Would you get a first class mark?I dont know. But I will passFrom further questions we

understood that he gets about 40%

marks in all subjects.What is your plan after 10th ? I want to study for Plus Two

Vinod started talking with confidence.After that?I want to find employment

Vinod is unable to score high marks. With a score of 40%, he might getadmission for Plus Two but it will befor Humanities. After Plus Two he willend up in parallel colleges for BAdegree studies. He may not be able tocomplete the degree course. Even if he passes the degree what employmentcan he get? How will he look after hisfamily?

What work will you find after Plus Two? I asked.

No idea Vinod replied.Have you thought about working

with machineries?He likes mechanics work Reply

came from Santa. when theneighbours water pump getsdamaged, he helps the mechanic until

the work is completed. He will notreturn home, no matter how many times I shout at him to come home.But if I ask him to open his schoolbooks, he will not listen. Santa hascorrectly understood Vinods aptitude.

There is a small engineering factory at Edamuttam. After the publicexamination is over, we can send himthere. That will help him to see andunderstand working with machineries.

After that we can send him for vocational training in the subject of hischoice. We shall try to arrangescholarship to your daughter I said.

Santa got emotional again. Thistime it was due to happiness. We couldsee tears of joy as she could see herdream come to fruition.

We left Santas house realising thatfinancial pain and concern about thefuture of the children are the twomajor non-medical problems sufferedby the patients undergoing palliativecare in rural societies such as Kerala.

There are tens of thousands moresufferers in the same position as Santaand her family, in Kerala alone. Weneed to act now to help them beforeit is too late.

(The author could be accessed [email protected])


8/16

ALPHA NEWS 8

Most of the chronic and bedridden patients drained of all their financialresources have daughters remaining unwed the evil of dowry system adding insult to injury.

Alpha Auditorium witnessed the dream fulfillment of 4 such girls on the independence day of this year.

In respose to the volunteer meeting decision, Alpha recieved 23 applications from patients daughters.

We could find suitable match for 4 girls. The group wedding marked the independence day celebrations this year.

It was almost a festival attended by somany dignitaries and a large number from the public.Swathi, D/o. Thilakan Edathiruthi, Smitha, D/o. Radha Mohanan Perinjanam,

Sunitha, D/o. Rabia Ali, Ashtamichira, Anitha, D/o.Kochammu Chenthrappinni were the fortunate to get into matrimony.

In addition to the reception expenses each was provided withfive sovereigns and Rs. 50,000. Ms. Amirah, D/o. Mr. P.M.Ahammed,

students from Govt. Engg. College, Thrissur, members of UAE Chapter contributedgenerously. Mr. Sajan Mathew, President, UAE chapter sponsored the lunch.

Patron Mr. Innocent, Cine artist Mr. V.K.Sreeraman, Adv. Thomas Unniyadan MLA, Adv. V.S.Sunilkumar MLA,

Mr. Ambadi Venu, Dist. Panchayath President, Dr. V.P.Gangadharan,Dr. K.K.Mohandas were among the dignitaries

present to bless the couples.

A t o u c h o f h o p e i n h o p e l e ss n e ss A R a y o f J o y i n t h e i r l i f e


9/16

9ALPHA NEWS


10/16

ALPHA NEWS 10


11/16

11ALPHA NEWS

I t was an act, prompting to fightagainst all odds, to provide anexperience of regaining the glow andprosperity of life, considered to belost forever. Alpha presented a divinemoment to an accident victim fromkodungallur Mr. Mangalanandan who

was bedridden for many years.

Mangalanandan was brought tohoist the national flag on theIndependence Day & Alpha Day. He

was brought in an ambulance to the venue. As he was paralyzed he could

A n u n e x p e c t e dm i r a c l e

not unfurl the flag, but the Alpharepresentatives told him that hispresence and will power will make adifference. Mangalanandan wasreluctant thinking about the troublecaused to others in carrying him. He

was firmly supported and encouragedby volunteer Dharmarajan. Flag hoisting was assisted by Ms.Chinthamani, affected withParkinsonism. Though his body wastrembling uncontrollably, chinthamani

was firm in her spirit and determinedsupport him.

Mangalanadan said that it was themost precious moment in his life. Hefelt rejuvenated the first time after he

was confined to bed. ThoughMangalanandan could not attend the

wedding ceremony he left Alpha witha sigh of relief. Later on the same day Mangalanandan telephoned tochairman to say that he has no wordsto express his heartfelt gratitude.

There are many such unfortunatesin our society who are totally cut off from the main stream of life. They have the right to receive solace fromthe society.

Mangalanandan reachedto hoist the flag.


12/16

ALPHA NEWS 12

P oor homeless patients and patients

who had to sell out their houses andbelongings include the patients registeredat Alpha. Among them are patients living in rented houses and struggling to pay the meager rent. Alpha Charitable Trusthas taken the initiative building a complexto shelter them. At present flats areconstructed for 6 families who are to belodged there until they have the means tomove outside.

The flat has facilities of 2 bedroom,

kitchen, sitting room and bathroomMrs. and Mr. K.M.Noordeen,

Chairman and Vice- Chairmanrespectively of Alpha Charitable Trusthandedover the keys to the concerned onaugust 15.

The Alpha Charitable Trust organisors with the inhabitants of the flat after the handing over the key.

A lp h a H o m e s ; a p l a c e o f s o l a c e

The flat of Alpha Charitable Trust


13/16

13ALPHA NEWS

22 Volunteers of Alpha have undergone training from Kerala StateCoir Board and they are actively engaged in making coir and coirmattresses. The unit functions as part of the Alpha Sakthi RehabilitationProject for the welfare of patients. The unit celebrated its 1stanniversary with a get together of members and their families. Mr.Subrahmanian is the president and Mrs. Kochami the secretary. Theproducts of the unit are marketed in the neighbouring states.

A l p h a C o ir U n i t A n n i v e r s a r y

S u p p o r tf r o m

A M M A Alpha has recieved a financial supportof Rs. 1,25,000 from Amma as a tokenof merit in providing qualitativePalliative Care service. We gratefully acknowledge our thanks for this noble

venture, of the actors association AMMA.

A.V.Abdu Rahman Haji Foundation founded in memory of the renowned social worker A.V.Abdu Rahman Haji of Kozhikode honours Dr. Suresh kumar with its prestegious award for the year considering the services and originalcontribution rendered by him in the field of community/social education programmes.

Dr. Suresh kumar is the director of Institute of Palliative Medicine, Kozhikode and a matchless organizer of community participation in Palliative Care. Alpha Pain Clinic is proud that Dr. Suresh kumar is one of its directors.

The jury who selected him for the award consisted of Mr. E.T.Mohammed Basheer M.P, Dr. M.Gangadharan andProf. Hafis Mohammed.

Alpha family members extends best wishes for Dr. Suresh kumar in all his efforts to amass medical professionals, volunteers and social workers in the endeavour to make the world of patients pain-free.

A . V. F o u n d a t i o n A w a r d f o r D r. S u r e s h k u m a r

Dr. Suresh kumar recieves A.V. Foundation Award from Shri. Mullappally Ramchandran, Minister of State of Home Affairs, Govt. of India.


14/16

ALPHA NEWS 14

A lpha realises the families of patients could bestrengthened only through the fortification of theirchildren.

It was with this motto a 3 Day Residential Camp was

conducted at Alpha on August 30, 31 & sept. 1. In thecamp the children were given career guidance and classesin personality developement. Prof. C.F.Josph, Director,

Born to Excel (Dubai based institute) was the resourceperson. The camp could instil a good amount of self confidence and an urge for self - reliance among theparticipants.

A total of 107 students who attended the camp left itacquiring the competence to speak before an audience.

3 D a y R e s i d e n t i a l C a m pf o r p a t i e n t s c h i l d r e n


15/16

15ALPHA NEWS

Sumesh was the individual whopresented the most cherishing momentin Alphas history. Sumesh was one of the patients whom the volunteers hadregistered as a patient bedridden afteran accident. But the multi-specialty operation under the apt supervision of neurologist Dr. Syam brought back himto normal life. Sumesh is now able to

walk without crutches and earn hisliving.

The experiences of Sumeshprovided a ray of hope to many suchhopeless patients.

The increase in the number of paralytic bedridden patients registeredin Alpha proclaims the hope entrusted

in Alpha after this achievement. Thishas paved way for establishment of afull time well equipped physiotherapy unit in the clinic. Kaipamangalamresident Thankamani and Mohananfrom Puthiyakavu have started taking strides in the path of hope.

S u m e s h b e c a m et h e t r e n d s e t t e rfo r T h a n k a m a n i &M o h a n a n

Thankamani used to recite songs of devotion to Lord Krishna in the Alphaprogrammes. No one could have seen

Thankamani without wheel chair. Sheis the sixth daughter of Kaipamangalam Ayyappan andKurumbakutty. She had been a normallife upto 8th standard. But all of asudden she became paralytic. She triedall systems of medicines but of no use.Registration of Alpha was a turning point in her life.

Under the multi specialty intervention of Alpha Medical teamespecially physiotherapy Dept. now

Thankamani can walk with the supportof a walker. Now she now enjoys hebeloved interests, Painting and classicalmusic.

46 year old Mohanan got paralysedbelow neck after a major fall.His spine

was totally damaged. When alltreatments failed he got registered in

Alpha and underwent physiotherapy.He was registered in Alpha without any limb movement and was completely bedridden. Thoracis hip knee anklefoot orhosis were the devices used totreat him, this showed gradualimprovement in him. Slowly andgradually change was evident. Today he can walk with the aid of a walker.He comes once a week to the clinic toreceive advice and treatment from theexperts. He follows the instruction anddoes exercise at home for a completerecovery.

Let Thankamani and Mohanan bethe trend setters for the similar onesaspiring to lead normal lives.


16/16

Printed and Published by K.M. Noordeen, Chairman, Alpha Pain Clinic, Kerala, India, Ph:0480 2835100, e-mail:[email protected], Printed at Ebenezer Printers, Thri ssur

alpha news vol-10 english f

Documents