BANGALORE: Now you can get yourself or your children screened for lead poisoning in the lead clinic at Baptist Hospital, which has become the first hospital in the country to screen and treat patients with lead poisoning.Speaking to City Express, Dr MN Shashidhar, Principal Advisor, National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India (NRCLPI) says that lead clinics are very common in European countries but for India it is a novel concept of having a dedicated screening and treatment facility in the hospital. The newly set up clinic at the hospital would be of great help for patients especially for the high risk group that needs to get themselves screened and treated for lead poisoning.“The lead clinic will also be utilised for spreading awareness and education about lead poisoning among medical practitioners who will be trained there,” noted Dr Shashidhar.“Majority of professionals in the medical field are not aware of lead poisoning or its harmful effects. The clinic will help us to impart training and education in a practical manner,” he added.The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that people are exposed to lead through air, water and food. Long term exposure to lead results in toxic effects in the body. Children and workers in industries that make paint, battery and electronics are at the greatest risk of lead poisoning, says the WHO. WHO also stated in a recent report that even a blood level of 10 micrograms per deciliter can have harmful effects on children causing learning disability, behaviour problem and mental retardation.“The lead clinic will be of great utility specially for the people who belong to the high risk group, who may not be aware of the diagnosis or treatment options,” said Dr Abhram Chandy, head of the medical staff at Baptist Hospital.The clinic will be formally inaugurated on June 9 by Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde at the hospital.
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