Awareness against self-medication needed: Health Secretary

 

Chennai: There are many challenges in health from newer diseases, newer strains to peculiar challenges like self-medication. “There is a need for greater awareness against self-medication. Even after consulting doctors, patients come back and search on the Internet,” said health secretary, Dr J. Radhakri­shnan.

 

After inaugurating the three day national conference on pulmonary diseases Napcon on Wednesday, organised by the department of pulmonary medicine of Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra University, along with Indian chest society (ICS) and national college of chest physicians (NCCP), the health secretary said research should be done as quickly as possible so that we can bring solutions to the people. Dr J.C. Suri, president of NCCP, said a holistic approach was needed for pulmonary diseases.

 

“There's a need to extend quality care in sleep apnea, respiratory diseases and critical care throughout the country,” he said.

 

Earlier, former president, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's address was read out to the audience. He stressed that a uniform system should be outlined for teaching mechanical ventilation.