Media Release

Mangaluru, Mar 4: The Karavali Dermatology Society (KDS), in collaboration with the Indian Association of Dermatologists Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) Karnataka, department of dermatology, Father Muller Medical College, and IMA Mangalore, successfully organized SKINATHON: A walk for skin health to raise awareness against skin quackery.

Over 100 participants walked from IMA Mangalore to Father Muller Medical College Ground. With strong support from the Mangalore City Police, the event highlighted the dangers of unqualified treatments and reinforced the need for consulting qualified dermatologists (MD/DVD/ DNB) for all skin and hair disorders.

The event commenced with a welcome by KDS president Dr Rochelle Monteiro, who emphasised the need for skin to be treated by “experts" and not experimentation. Dr Jessy D’Souza, president IMA, Mangalore also addressed the gathering.

The walkathon was flagged off by the former national president of IADVL, Dr Manjunath Shenoy and community dermatology coordinator Dr Narendra Kamath. Also present was co-organiser Dr Jacintha Martis, HOD department of dermatology, Father Muller Medical College.

The event was also graced by senior dermatologist’s Dr Jerome pinto, Dr Pramod Kumar, Dr Gatha Upadya, Dr Manohar Revankar (IMA) Dr Derek Lobo (former WHO consultant), and Dr Kashinath Nayak. Dr Prajna Shetty, secretary KDS and Dr Anusha D’Souza, treasurer KDS coordinated the arrangements. Awareness pamphlets were distributed to the public along the way emphasizing the cause of the walkathon. Mangalore City Police efficiently managed traffic on the busy roads, ensuring a smooth conduct of the event.

The organizers thanked the management of Father Muller Medical College for their wholehearted support in organizing the event and all the participants including dermatologists, consultants, IMA members, postgraduates & undergraduate medical students, the city police, and members of the public for making the initiative a success.