Spina Bifida Awareness and Free Screening Camp Held at Lilavati Hospital

In an impactful move, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, in collaboration with the Spina Bifida Foundation, organized a Free Spina Bifida Medical Check-Up Camp dedicated to children affected by the condition. This initiative was aimed at providing comprehensive medical care, screening, and awareness to those who need it most. The camp offered an array of tests including height, weight, bone mineral density (BMD), body composition analysis (BCA), and HbA1C, ensuring thorough screening for each child. Alongside this, the hospital arranged personalized consultations with surgeons, psychologists, and dietitians, followed by counseling sessions tailored to the needs of each child and their family.

Spina Bifida is a congenital birth defect that occurs during pregnancy when the spinal cord, brain, or their covering called meninges do not form properly. It can happen anywhere along the spine and often appears as a hole in the baby’s back at birth. It is a lifelong condition that can severely impact mobility, nerve function, and bladder and bowel control. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial in managing the condition and improving the quality of life for affected children. This unique camp organized by Lilavati Hospital was an eye-opener for parents and children and encouraged them to seek timely intervention.

Dr Santosh Karmarkar, Pediatric Surgeon, Lilavati Hospital said “Spina Bifida has grown into a serious public health issue in Maharashtra and across India, with around 4 to 5 cases per 1000 live births. Unfortunately, due to a lack of awareness or financial crisis, approximately 70% of patients do not receive the proper treatment they need. Many families are unable to manage the burden of repeated surgeries or long-term care. This camp is a crucial step in reaching those children and families and providing them with the right guidance. It is important to focus on prevention, especially for women planning a pregnancy. Taking folic acid through diet or supplements well in advance can drastically reduce the risk of neural tube defects like Spina Bifida. A balanced, nutritious diet along with prenatal vitamins ensures that mothers are well-prepared even before conception. Since 2015, The Spina Bifida Foundation has just kept growing by leaps and bounds. Now, we have appointed four new coordinators in four other parts of the country such as Dibrugarh, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Delhi. It was difficult for us to help all these families and children who are scattered all over the country. So, we decided that it is time that we appointed coordinators in various parts of India.”

Mr Rajiv Mehta, Permanent Trustee of Lilavati Hospital said, “Spina Bifida affects thousands of lives around the world. It is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and the spinal cord don’t form properly. It falls under the broader category of neural tube defects and it happens very early in pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she’s pregnant. The causes of Spina Bifida are not entirely understood but research suggests a combination of genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors. One of the most important preventable causes is a lack of folic acid during early pregnancy. That’s why public health campaigns strongly encourage women of childbearing age to take folic acid supplements. People living with Spina Bifida show incredible strength every day. With advances in medicine, many individuals with this condition go on to live long fulfilling lives, going to school, pursuing careers, and building families of their own. Physical therapy, assistance, devices, surgical options, and a strong support network will make all the difference. We must also recognize the critical role of families, educators, medical professionals, and communities play in supporting those affected by this condition. Together we can promote inclusion, accessibility, and awareness because every person regardless of their physical ability, deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Let us not define people by their diagnosis but by their courage, achievements, and their humanity. Let Spina Bifida awareness be not just a cause but a call to care, to act, and to uplift.”

Mr Prashant Mehta, Permanent Trustee at Lilavati Hospital highlighted, “This camp reflects our commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of background, gets access to quality healthcare. Through early screening and awareness, we are determined to provide access to treatment for Spina Bifida and bring positive change for affected children and their families.”

Dr Niraj Uttamani, Chief Operating Officer, Lilavati Hospital said, “Lilavati Hospital is committed to creating healthcare opportunities that are inclusive and impactful. By organizing such camps, we aim not only to treat but also to educate families and build a stronger support system for children living with this condition.”

Actress Raveena Tandon said, “Initiatives like these can make a huge difference in society. It’s heartwarming to see a hospital taking such proactive measures to help children. This camp will benefit many young lives and give them hope for a better future.”

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