I campaign for better care

CHENNAI: Referring to himself as a campaigner for better care for those suffering with diabetes, and not a diabetologist, Sir Michael Hirst, the President elect of the International Diabetes Federation, Brussels, endeared himself to all those gathered at the 19th DMDSC Gold Medal Oration on Saturday.Delivering a talk on the ‘Perspectives of a Diabetes champion over a quarter of a century’ he spoke about how his tryst with the disease began when his daughter was suddenly diagnosed with Type-I Diabetes in 1985. He also reflected on how the British Government initiated the needle exchange programme, which eventually led to the standardisation of disposable syringes.A former Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party politician and chartered accountant, Hirst served as a trustee of Diabetes UK for 17 years. He took a particular interest in care for the institutions, and this led to a number of beneficial changes.In 2005, Sir Michael Hirst served as a Deputy Chair for the Global Task Force for a UN Resolution on Diabetes. With his political knowledge, skills and contacts, he helped win support around the world for the first UN Resolution on a non communicable disease, helping to raise the profile of this disease.Mike Nithavrianakis, British Deputy High Commissioner, presented the gold medal to him. He also said that he was looking forward to some collaborative work between UK and India when it came to diabetes and healthcare.Pointing out that there were a large number of NRI doctors in the UK, he said that there was a whole lot to be learnt from Indians and India, because of the pioneering work done in diabetes care.Dr V Mohan, Chairman, DMDSC and President, MDRF, who created this award in 1994, said, “This year, the DMDSC Scientific Committee has selected Sir Michael Hirst for this award, for his outstanding contribution in the field of championing the rights and responsibilities of those with diabetes."