Medical college diamond Jubilee fetes from 18th

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: From medical exhibitions, seminars, free screening tests to lifestyle disease corners and blood donation campaign, on the 60th year of the starting of the state’s premier institution of medical education - the Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram - medicos will come together to celebrate Medex-12. The event will be held from January 18 to 26 on Medical College campus and have representation from the 34 departments of the college.  Many of the big names in medical and surgical specialities across the nation are proud prodigies of the college, inaugurated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on November 27, 1951. Dr Ramadas Pisharody, Principal, said that the expo is mainly targeted at the younger generation of students to stimulate their interest in medicine and related sciences. “The facilities for screening of lifestyle- related diseases, emerging fevers and education for leading a healthy lifestyle for the benefit of the public are included,” he said. The exhibition will also showcase various advances in basic sciences and technology, including a mock operation theatre with videos of advanced surgical techniques. Dr K V Vishwanathan, deputy superintendent of the College and Medex chairman, said that besides the routine exhibition, there would be many added attractions such as open forums, live surgeries, spot blood donation camps, free medical check-up camps and video presentations.“There will be interactive sessions between the public and some of the most pre-eminent faces in the medical fraternity. The public will also be enlightened about recent path-breaking developments in modern medicine. SAT, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Nursing College and Dental College will also associate with the expo,” he said.  Speaker G Karthikeyan will inaugurate the exhibition on January 18, while KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala will inaugurate the seminar the next day. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the diamond jubilee celebration on January 27.