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VICE-PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE |
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Far from winding down her year's activities, Diabetic Society of Singapore (DSS) and her staff would be busier than ever this last quarter with the planning and preparation for two major events — the annual World Diabetes Day activities on 5 November and the Society's 35th Anniversary Celebrations cum Charity Dinner on 21 November. 14 November is the official World Diabetes Day. It is also the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting; the man who co-discovered insulin with Dr Charles Best in their laboratory at the University of Toronto in 1921. This discovery won the pair the Nobel Prize in Medicine. In Singapore, World Diabetes Day is a time when all who deal with diabetes — from persons with diabetes and their families, to those in the healthcare industry who treat diabetes or who are involved in diabetes care in one way or another - come together in solidarity. It Is also a time to heighten awareness of diabetes and to educate and improve on diabetes care. This year's World Diabetes Day, which will be held at Suntec City, serves as a platform to educate the public on the Ministry of Health's initiative to allow the use of Medisave for diabetes outpatient care. DSS not only supports this plan, but will also be a service provider to general practitioners. In other words, services not offered by GPs, such as retinal photography, education and counselling, foot screening, etc, will be made scalable by DSS. DSS will also be highlighting and educating the key components of diabetes care and surveillance for the many dreaded complications. The next important event to look out for is the 35th Anniversary Dinner of DSS on 21 November. We have come a long way since 1971, but we are still a work in progress. Many people with diabetes are still not members of DSS. Some do not know we exist. Others feel they can do without membership. We want to change that. May I suggest that by just having diabetes is reason enough to join the national society for diabetes; if not to receive help, then to offer help, encouragement and support. If you feel you an make a contribution to DSS, please come forward with your suggestions and together, we can make them work. The dinner is more than just a celebration. It is a vital opportunity to raise funds for the Society's programs and running cost. Our main centre at Ang Mo Kio Community Hospital is moving to a new location and we plan to bunch a mobile service to bring diabetes care closer to the people in the community. So, come, join us on World Diabetes Day and for the Charity Dinner! DSS looks forward to your support and presence at both events!
Dr Kevin Tan DSS
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