BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
Lucknow: Lucknow: On the occasion of World Plastic Surgery Day, the Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, organized an awareness walkathon at the Lucknow Golf Club on Tuesday morning. The initiative aimed to educate the public about the wide-ranging applications of plastic surgery and its vital role in improving patients’ lives. More than 100 participants enthusiastically took part in the event.
The walkathon was flagged off by Dr. Rajeshwar Singh, MLA from Sarojininagar, who inaugurated the event by releasing balloons and waving the green flag. Rajnish Sethi, Secretary of Lucknow Golf Club, attended as the Guest of Honour. The walk began from the Golf Range, proceeded to La Martiniere Tennis Academy, and returned to the Golf Club, covering a distance of approximately one kilometre.
The event was led by Prof. (Dr.) Rajeev Agrawal, Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns at SGPGIMS. Participants carried posters and slogans highlighting the importance of plastic surgery and raising awareness about its life-changing role. Faculty members, doctors, resident doctors, nursing staff, technicians, golfers, tennis players, morning walkers, and other distinguished citizens actively participated in the campaign.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rajeshwar Singh said that plastic surgery is not limited to correcting physical deformities but also helps restore patients’ confidence, dignity, and quality of life. He emphasized that the specialty offers hope to patients suffering from congenital deformities, severe burn injuries, road traffic accidents, cancer, and acid attack injuries. He noted that such awareness programmes play a crucial role in dispelling misconceptions surrounding plastic surgery.
Following the walkathon, Prof. (Dr.) Rajeev Agrawal delivered a talk highlighting the significance of World Plastic Surgery Day. He elaborated on various subspecialties of plastic surgery, including reconstructive surgery, microvascular surgery, hand surgery, craniofacial surgery, burn management, cosmetic surgery, and post-cancer reconstruction. Dr. Agrawal stressed that plastic surgery extends far beyond cosmetic enhancement.
It provides new hope, restores function, and improves the quality of life for patients affected by congenital anomalies, burns, traumatic injuries, cancer, and complex hand and nerve disorders. He urged people not to hesitate in seeking consultation from a qualified plastic surgeon if they or their loved ones suffer from physical deformities due to accidents, burns, cancer, or birth defects, emphasizing that timely treatment can bring about remarkable improvements in both function and appearance.
