Kozhikode Medical students leave an ‘imprint’ on the heart

KOZHIKODE: Who set the stereotype that professional students are inimical to the concerns of society? Medical students at the Kozhikode Medical College have been pooh poohing this concept through ‘Imprints’, an organisation they floated three years ago.

‘Imprints’ has set an exemplary mark in providing succour to paediatric patients, who have been afflicted with genetic diseases.

“We are particular about children from impoverished backgrounds and bereft of any financial help from government or any other agencies,” said Drishya Sudev, an active member of Imprints.

In 2013, the organisation focused on 48 children afflicted with Thalassemia who were being treated at the Institute of maternity and child health at MCH. Students provided Defrijet, an expensive drug to the patients for a year.

In the second year, the attention was on 40 kids suffering from type I diabetics. These children were provided with glucometers and glucometer strip throughout the year.

This year, Imprints has decided to help seven kids suffering from ‘Wilson’s disease’, a condition where excess copper is stocked in the body.

“Our major achievement was that when we briefed the CM about the plight of Thalassemia patients, he took steps to bring it under the Karunya scheme,” added Drishya.

These students are going all out to raise funds for Imprints, including approaching the public. “Elders might be affected with diseases because of their lifestyle etc. But it is different in the case of kids,” said a paediatrician associated with Imprints.