Sree Abirami College of Pharmacy Observes World Epilepsy Day – 2025
Raising Awareness, Reducing Stigma
On the occasion of World Epilepsy Day 2025, the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice at Sree Abirami College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore, conducted a highly engaging and educational event to raise awareness about epilepsy. The program was held on campus and saw enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and healthcare professionals. It was coordinated under the leadership of Dr. Srinivasan, Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacology.
The primary goal of the event was to educate young pharmacy professionals about epilepsy, its types, causes, and management strategies while addressing the social stigma surrounding the condition. The day also served as a reminder of the important role pharmacists and future healthcare providers play in patient education and chronic disease management.
🧠 Expert Lecture by Dr. Vimala Arun
The key highlight of the event was an insightful guest lecture by Dr. Vimala Arun, MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), CCEBDM, and Consultant Physician at Sree Abirami Hospital. With years of clinical experience, Dr. Vimala delivered an informative and thought-provoking session on “Understanding Epilepsy: Causes, Classification & Clinical Management.”
Her lecture covered a wide range of topics:
- Common and rare causes of epilepsy
- Different types of seizures and how to recognize them
- Modern approaches to diagnosis and treatment
- Myths vs. facts about epilepsy
- Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management
What made the session particularly impactful was the inclusion of real-life case studies with live video footage, allowing students to witness clinical signs and patient responses in real settings. The session was interactive, with students asking several questions about seizure types, medication adherence, and patient counseling.
Dr. Vimala emphasized the need for early diagnosis, consistent treatment, and community support for individuals living with epilepsy. She also highlighted how pharmacists can contribute by recognizing warning signs, guiding patients on medication compliance, and offering emotional reassurance to families.
🖼️ Poster Presentation Competition
To further promote learning and creativity, a poster presentation competition was organized for the students of Sree Abirami College of Pharmacy. The response was overwhelming, with 35 entries submitted by students from various programs, including B.Pharm and Pharm.D.
The posters addressed themes such as:
- Epilepsy awareness and public misconceptions
- Drug therapy and side effects
- First aid for seizures
- Innovations in epilepsy treatment
The competition was evaluated by a panel of judges:
Dr. Dileep, Mr. Gokul Bal, and Mr. Bharathanwho assessed the entries based on originality, accuracy, clarity, and visual impact.
🏆 Winners of the Competition:
- 🥇 First Prize: Jeereba and Ananthi (Pharm.D – 1st Year)
- 🥈 Second Prize: Monika and Nivetha (B.Pharm – 4th Semester)
- 🥉 Third Prize: Asnaa (B.Pharm – 8th Semester)
The poster session sparked great interest among students, many of whom expressed that preparing for the event deepened their understanding of epilepsy as a condition that extends beyond textbooks.
🙌 Teamwork and Appreciation
Behind the success of the event was a committed team of faculty members, including Dr. Karan, Dr. Dileep, and Mr. P. Neelaphar, who actively supported and guided students during the preparation and execution stages of both the lecture and the competition.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Srinivasan, who expressed gratitude to:
- The college management for their continued support
- The Principal, Dr. Dhachinamoorthy, for his encouragement
- The esteemed guest speaker, Dr. Vimala Arun, for her invaluable contribution
The program ended at 3:00 PM, leaving students inspired, informed, and more aware of their potential roles in the management of neurological disorders.