Revathi, a 70-year old is suffering from Down Syndrome, a genetic condition characterized by low IQ. She spends most of her time in a special school and is looked after by her elder brother. A caretaker who may have to replace her elder brother, would find it difficult as Revathi wouldn't be able to explain her condition.
A team of doctor are working on a 'medical passport' for people suffering from Down Syndrome. This will be discussed at the 12th World Down Syndrome Congress to be held in the city from August 18 to 21. "We advise people to carry their name and contact details in their pockets so that it may help them in times of emergency. People with Down Syndrome and other medical conditions would find the medical passport useful when they have a problem," said Surekha Ramachandran, founder, Down Syndrome Federation of India.
The medical passport will carry complete medical details of an individual with Down Syndrome. "The design of the passport would be ready by the end of the Congress. We will also see how to make it available, may be in a downloadable form online," said Mediscan director Dr S Suresh. Representatives from 38 countries, including people with Down Syndrome, will be part of the congress with the theme 'panch tatvas' (five norms).