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Time of India
16 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
GMCH launches app to help students manage epilepsy
1 2 Guwahati: The neurology department of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) launched a new mobile application on Friday to support students with epilepsy. The app aims to help them manage their condition more effectively and stay connected with their doctors. The initiative is part of an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-funded project named 'Tele_ESSI'. This project is simultaneously being implemented in govt medical institutes of Punjab and Nagpur as well, making it a pan-India collaborative effort to improve epilepsy care and awareness through school-based interventions. The application was launched in the presence of 60 teachers from different schools of the Kamrup (Metro) district. ICMR's principal investigator (PI) Marami Das and co-PI Mehzabin Haider Hazarika led the launch. "The younger generation is our future. We have launched this initiative to protect them and ensure a better quality of life. Of every 1,000 babies, around five are diagnosed with epilepsy. Having adequate knowledge about the condition is crucial, as timely awareness can save lives. As part of the project launched last year, we visited 71 different schools in Kamrup (Metro) and screened over 10,000 students. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like USDJPY đang đi lên không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Among them, 53 students were found to be epilepsy-positive, while 353 others were identified with various other medical conditions," said Marami. Highlighting the importance of awareness, Achyut Baishya, principal cum superintendent of GMCH said even medical students have been diagnosed with epilepsy, but with proper knowledge and timely treatment they have been able to manage their condition. He emphasised the need to dispel social stigma and superstitions that still surround epilepsy. "With this app, individuals with epilepsy can book appointments and stay in contact with the medical faculty and healthcare staff, ensuring better support. Additionally, the app will help them gain preliminary knowledge about the condition, including how to manage seizures, follow treatment plans, and understand the importance of medication adherence," Baishya said. Director of elementary education Suranjana Senapati, inspector of schools & district elementary education Deepika Choudhury, GMCH principal Achyut Baishya, HoDs of the departments of paediatrics and neurology of GMCH Anupama Deka and Munindra Goswami, were present at the launch.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
GMCH training on epilepsy for govt schools teachers
Guwahati: In a pioneering initiative to create ' epilepsy smart schools ' in Assam, the neurology department at Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) commenced training for approximately 150 govt school teachers in Kamrup district on Wednesday. The programme is an essential part of an ICMR-funded project 'Tele_ESSI', officially named 'Tele-school health-led Epilepsy Smart Schools in India: An Implementation Initiative with Mixed Methods Assessment'. This multi-dimensional public health initiative, funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is being implemented in Assam by GMCH's neurology department. Dr Marami Das, a senior neurologist at GMCH, leads the project as principal investigator. Under Dr Das's guidance, an awareness and training session for about 150 govt school teachers from Kamrup district took place at the DK Girls' College community hall in Mirza, near Guwahati, on Wednesday. "By integrating neurological health into school-based health systems, Tele_ESSI aligns with India's broader goals under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) and aims to serve as a model for nationwide replication," said Dr Das. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Glicemia alta? Pingue isso na água antes de dormir Saúde Melhor Idade Veja agora Undo The training session focused on improving teachers' knowledge about epilepsy, eliminating stigma, and providing them with essential skills to handle student seizures during school hours. During the meeting, the project team presented educational modules and demonstration videos to explain medical information and develop practical readiness among teachers. The session included instruction on basic first-aid procedures, addressing epilepsy myths and facts, and establishing school-based support systems. Teachers participated in discussions to voice their concerns and seek clarification, leading to a deeper understanding of challenges faced by students with epilepsy. The initiative aims to establish 'epilepsy-smart schools' — institutions equipped to understand, identify, and assist students with epilepsy, particularly in rural and underserved regions. The project incorporates telemedicine, structured awareness programmes, and capacity-building modules to incorporate epilepsy care awareness into Indian schools. "The project uses a mixed-methods approach, combining tele-health, in-person engagement, and qualitative assessments to evaluate the feasibility and impact of implementing epilepsy education across Indian govt schools. The initiative aligns with broader national health goals of integrating neurological health into primary education systems through awareness, capacity-building, and sustainable implementation," said an official. Health officials said this community-focused approach represents a crucial step towards removing epilepsy stigma in schools, encouraging early detection, and ensuring timely, compassionate care. The programme supports national health objectives by incorporating neurological health into primary education through awareness, capacity-building, and sustainable implementation.
