Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, organized a scoliosis awareness walkathon at Colombo Independence Square with a primary objective of enlightening the public about making a scoliosis free Sri Lanka.
The walk was organized in association with Serendib Group and Lanka E Doc Company. The event witnessed the participation of a multitude of individuals, including prominent figures from various fields. Dr. Niluka Welikala, President of both organizing entities, emphasized the global necessity of creating awareness among parents regarding scoliosis in children, which has a high incidence among adolescent girls in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Welikala also highlighted that the dearth of awareness among parents has resulted in a diminished capacity to prevent the progression of the disease in children. Hence, she stressed the crucial role of educating parents about scoliosis. Among the notable participants were Dr. Panwila Ananda Thero, Head of Attanagalla Rajamaha Vihara, and Venerable Thiniyawala Palitha Thero. Justice Minister Vijayadasa Rajapaksa, Minister of State for Transport Lasantha Alagiyawanna, and Dr. Sajan K Hegde, Chief Spine Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Dr Appaji Krishan Senior Spine Surgeon Apollo Hospitals and Dr Ruwanthi Perara, Senior Consultant Paediatrician, along with other Indian and Sri Lankan specialist doctors.
Dr. Niluka Welikala expressed gratitude for the support extended by Apollo Hospitals Group for the program and stated that the walkathon, with nearly 1,000 participants, should be the world’s largest scoliosis awareness walkathon. Mr Jithu Jose, Vice President, International Division of Apollo Hospitals, proposed the vote of thanks. The event served as a significant step forward in the collective effort to combat scoliosis and ensure a healthier future for the people of Sri Lanka.
