UCB India initiatives in epilepsy

Date: 28^th July 09

UCB India has joined hands with Indian Epilepsy Association (IEA) and Samman (NGO actively working for people with epilepsy in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Tricchur) to bring "epilepsy out of the shadow" by dispelling myths and creating right understanding about epilepsy. IEA has more than 20 chapters across India in various states/ cities.

UCB India has joined hands with IEA and planned series of meetings called as “Conquer Epilepsy” to sensitize and educate people with epilepsy, their caregivers, family members and general public about epilepsy management and care. Conquer Epilepsy seminar has an aim to reach to people with epilepsy, their caregivers, family members and even general public and help them to understand about epilepsy. Through this program doctors resolve their hidden queries (not pertaining to treatment) which patients/ caregivers either do not feel comfortable asking or forget to ask during their routine consultation with doctors. This seminar is spear headed by experts from IEA with likes of Dr. Pravina Shah (president, IEA), Dr. Urvashi Shah (Neuropsychologist, KEM Hospital), SAMMAN members and faculty from the respective hospital where event will be conducted.

This series was initiated with Hinduja Hospital (located in Mahim, Mumbai) on 23^rd August 2008. Almost 120 people attended this event. UCB India felicitated young students who participated in Film making competition conducted by UCB India in May 2008.

Second event happened in K. J. Somaiya Hospital (located in Sion, Mumbai) on 22^nd Nov 2008. Almost 130 people along with 30 nursing staff and young medical students attended this program and gained information about epilepsy management at home.

Third event happened in Bombay Hospital (Marine Lines, Mumbai) on 21^st Feb 2008. Around 160 people attended the program including their caregivers.

Latest and 4^th seminar took place in Gorakhpur on 19^th July 09 at BRD Medical College, with the help of BRD Medical College and Achintya epilepsy centre. More than 200 people attended the program and gained information on cleanliness, hygiene requirements to prevent the risk of epilepsy and surgery as one of the possibility to control seizures.

UCB India supports this event for all the event management requirements and educational material for epilepsy.