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Dr. Rajeshwar Singh Flags Off World Plastic Surgery Day Walkathon; Shares Moving Acid-Attack Survivor’s Story
Hon’ble MLA Dr. Rajeshwar Singh on Wednesday flagged off the World Plastic Surgery Day Awareness Walkathon, organised by the Department of Plastic Surgery & Burns, SGPGIMS, at Lucknow Golf Club. He called for greater awareness about burn prevention, timely first aid and the life-transforming role of reconstructive surgery.
Addressing doctors, resident doctors, golfers, media representatives and citizens, Dr. Singh said plastic surgery goes far beyond cosmetic enhancement. It plays a vital role in rebuilding the lives of burn and acid-attack survivors, accident victims, children with congenital deformities, cancer patients and those suffering from complex trauma.
“Plastic surgery is not merely about beauty; it is about ability, identity, dignity and hope. Plastic surgeons do not merely close wounds—they reopen possibilities,” he said.
Recalling an acid-attack case from his tenure as a police officer in Lucknow, Dr. Singh said:
“As police officers, we arrested the offender and ensured justice, but plastic surgeons helped the survivor rebuild her face, confidence and, in many ways, her entire life. Since that day, my respect and admiration for plastic surgeons has known no bounds.”
Highlighting burns as a major public-health challenge, Dr. Singh said nearly 1.8 lakh people die globally from burn injuries every year. He stressed that timely first aid and specialist treatment can prevent infection, deformity, disability and death.
He urged citizens to remember three basic principles: cool the burn under clean running water for around 20 minutes; never apply toothpaste, ghee, butter, ink, ice or other home remedies; and cover the affected area with a clean cloth before seeking immediate medical care.
“Right first aid, the right hospital and treatment at the right time can save lives and prevent lifelong disability. Cool the Burn, Save a Life,” he said.
Dr. Singh also highlighted that World Plastic Surgery Day has its roots in India. Initiated in 2011 as National Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Day, it evolved into World Plastic Surgery Day in 2021, taking an Indian medical-awareness initiative to the global stage.
He congratulated Dr. Rajeev Agarwal, Head, Department of Plastic Surgery & Burns, SGPGIMS, and his entire team for organising the campaign and for their dedicated service to patients.
He also welcomed Prof. Tulika Chandra, Professor & Head, Department of Transfusion Medicine, KGMU, and highlighted the crucial partnership between plastic surgery, trauma care and transfusion medicine.
Dr. Singh appreciated Shri Rajneesh Sethi Ji, Secretary, Lucknow Golf Club, for his wholehearted support. The programme was also attended by Shri Vijay Sharma Ji, Shri Harish Siddhartha Ji and Karan Ji, along with doctors, resident doctors, golfers, media representatives and citizens.
Concluding the programme, Dr. Singh called upon every participant to become an ambassador for burn prevention and awareness with the message:
“Cool the Burn, Save a Life. Prevent Burns, Protect Lives. Reconstruct Lives, Restore Smiles.”