STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Under the leadership of its President Dr. Ravi Kumar Mahajan, the executive council of the Indian Society for Surgery of Hand (ISSH), has decided to celebrate 23rd August as ‘National Hand Surgery Day’ every year.
To commemorate the day, ISSH members, who are also trained hand surgeons, will hold seminars, symposia, press conferences and other activities across the country, to educate the primary health caregivers about the simple measures of decontamination, splinting and prevention of oedema, before a patient is referred to a Hand Surgery Centre.
“These measures can play a major role in preventing disability following hand surgery. Even at the most basic healthcare center, these simple procedures can be carried out and can avoid impairment of hand,” said Dr. Mahajan.
It is pertinent to note that ISSH is a national organization that was established in the year 1973 on August 23 with the idea of promoting the development of hand surgery in the country. The organization has more than 800 members all over the country.
On the occasion of National Hand Surgery Day, each member of the society has been told to carry out an IEC Programme (Information, Education and Communication) in their area of influence to propagate the Presidential Theme-2021, which is “Prevention of Disability after Hand Surgery”.
In addition, they will also spread the word about the management of simple hand injuries and how to preserve an amputated part for transportation to a Microvascular Surgery Centre for replantation.
Dr. Ravi Kumar Mahajan, Chief Plastic, Hand and Microvascular Surgeon at Amandeep Hospital, said that ISSH is committed to the advancement of Hand Surgery in India and strengthening of the measures required for prevention of hand injuries as well as prevention of disability following hand injuries. Any health care worker or a victim of hand injury can find a hand surgeon near them by accessing the ‘Find a Hand Surgeon’ feature on the official website of ISSH, i.e., www.issh.org.