The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare has recently conveyed to the Rajya Sabha that treatments for patients with Fairbanks Disease and Acromegaly Disorder are currently being provided at numerous tertiary health facilities. These include Medical Colleges, Central Institutes such as AIIMS, and tertiary care private hospitals, either free of charge or at reduced rates.
An Overview of Fairbanks Disease
Fairbank disease, known in the medical community as Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia (MED), is a rare genetic disorder—occurring in roughly 1 in 10,000 births—which hinders the growth process of bones. Under normal circumstances, bones elongate through a process involving the deposition of cartilage at bone ends in a process called ossification. This cartilage subsequently mineralizes and solidifies, becoming bone. However, in individuals with MED, this process is faulty.
People living with Fairbank’s disease typically necessitate pain management and orthopedic procedures. Services for these requirements are accessible at tertiary care institutions across India.
Understanding Acromegaly Disorder
Acromegaly is a hormone-related disorder resulting in abnormal enlargement of certain body parts, specifically the hands, feet, and face. The primary cause of this disorder is an overproduction of the Growth Hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland. This gland, positioned at the base of the brain, is often referred to as the Master Gland since it synthesises several crucial hormones in the body.
When the pituitary gland grows excessively, surrounding nerve tissues and optic nerves can become compressed. This triggers both bone growth and organ enlargement.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Acromegaly
This disorder manifests through several symptoms, which could potentially disrupt the daily life of the patient. These symptoms include: sleeplessness, extreme fatigue, a coarse voice, profuse sweating, recurrent headaches, abnormal weight gain, body odour, and enlargement of the jaws or the tongue.
Patients with any concerns or symptoms associated with either Acromegaly Disorder or Fairbanks Disease should seek immediate medical attention. India’s tertiary healthcare institutions are equipped and prepared to manage these conditions, offering quality care to patients at free or subsidized costs.
Source: PIB
