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MEDICAL

The Parsi Zoroastrians are often seen as a medical paradox. On the one side, there are numerous members of the community working energetically into their Nineties, while on the other side, the Parsis have some of the world’s most unusual allergies, among the highest rates of Cancer, serious eye problems and other diseases.

Any analysis of medical data needs to consider the sudden drop in fertility within the community in the last two generations. Is this due to genetic or sociological reasons?

Research, analysis and collation of traditional Parsi medical methods and herbal remedies can be conducted and the traditions still maintained by the bone setters, vaids, hakims studied and recorded. Translation and publication of this information can be undertaken for the benefit of the allopathic school and the general public.

A questionnaire can be created and considering the small size of the community and modern data collection methods, practically every Parsi who so desires can provide data to create a complete survey of the medical issues facing the community.

Data can be collated at Parsi Institutions such as the Parsi General Hospital, Mumbai, and Nariman Home, Surat. The Parsi General Hospital can become a centre for a Medical Databank storing and providing information immediately to the community.

Any work done so far in the medical field can be collated and used for this aspect of the Project.

Vital information regarding common Parsi allergies which can prove fatal and about which very little is known can be provided as a public service. A national level Seminar with the support of the Ministry of Health can be held to sensitize medical practitioners across the country to specific medical problems of the community. Simple preventive measures which every Parsi should be aware of can be supplied.

The following broad outlines about medical issues are only the beginning of a complete study of the medical issues facing the community.

 

 

 

 

ALLERGIES AND DEFICIENCIES

BONE DISEASES

CANCER

While many have heard about the G6PD disorder, few are aware that the gentian violet used in most hospitals during child birth can prove harmful for a G6PD deficient infant.

The dissemination of such information is necessary as is information regarding allergies. Sulpha allergy, penicillin reaction, asprin allergies, the precautions required by RH negative blood groups and hemophiliacs are all essential information for the Parsis who suffer from a high degree of allergies and deficiencies.

Detection, prevention and documentation is required about bone diseases increasingly found among the Parsis.

Osteoporosis is affecting the lives of numerous Parsi women and crippling arthritis is also increasingly recorded among youth.

The modification of lifestyle and food habits can help in calcium deficiencies which lead to osteoporosis and this aspect should be taken into account for all Parsi health issues.

It is believed that Parsi women suffer from one of the world’s highest risk groups for breast cancer and therefore detection and prevention should be organised.

Projections state that one out of every five will suffer from cancer and lifestyle changes are necessary as are regular medical check-ups.

The other cancers are also found commonly among the Parsis and the records of the Tata Memorial Hospital should be analysed and suggestions sought from experts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES

EYE-SIGHT

STROKES AND HEART DISEASES

A high rate of neurological disorder is found among the Parsis.

Epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease are common.

Research has indicated recently that cooking in aluminum vessels raises the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and this message should reach the Parsi population, much of whom depend on aluminum vessels for cooking.

At a World Zoroastrian Congress, the BBC camera team failed in their attempts to film the audience.

They realised that this was due to the reflection of light from the spectacles of innumerable members in the auditorium.

Eye problems such as retinal and macular degeneration, weakness of the optic nerve, glaucoma and photosensitivity etc. are very common.

Preventive measures, if any, should be propagated.

Collation of information regarding heart diseases and strokes is essential for the Parsis.

Some rare syndromes such as ASH are found in this community.

Analysis, information regarding diet, lifestyle and preventive measures should be provided as a public service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FERTILITY

GENETIC ISSUES

PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES

Low fertility rates, infertility both male and female and other dysfunction are seen among the Parsis.

Analysis is required as to whether this is a recent phenomena and its causes and cure.

High rates of homosexuality are believed to exist and need research.

The fertility rates of Iranis and Parsis differ and deserve study.

The positives and negatives in the debate on consanguineous marriage, its effect on fertility and other health issues needs a proper study.

Some psychological studies claim that Parsis are suffering from the situation of identity crisis bordering on depression and even have schizoid personalities because of their particular situation between the East and West.

This requires analysis, study and community counselling, if necessary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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METHODOLOGY

 

ACTIVITY

TECHNICAL ASPECTS

TECHNICIANS

Research, Collection and collation of all information already available e.g. Medical papers presented, research conducted by Medical Personnel etc. and dissemination in simple capsule form for assistance of the community.

Field surveys with Kits for detection of allergic / deficiency conditions.

Networking with Ministry of Health, Government of India for waiver of duty / indigenous development for such medical tools.

Creation of a web site linked with a major Parsi Hospital e.g. Parsi General Hospital, Mumbai for immediate access to information and procedures necessary for Parsi Medical problems.

Public interest information regarding dangerous allergic reactions and their management to be regularly published in ethnic and national newspapers.

Sensitization of Medical Practitioners and Hospitals in all parts of the Country to specific, rare Parsi medical conditions.

A national level Seminar could be organised for this purpose and its papers published.

Printing of medical reports and results of research after collation of information for the community and general public.

Collection and collation of knowledge from traditional Parsi para medical sources e.g. the Madhivala tradition, vaids and hakims.

Research and analysis regarding their methodology.

Inclusion of medical information in CD-ROM and archives.

Research, data collection by field workers belonging to the medical Professions, collation of information.

Collection and translation of traditional medical systems, research and analysis of these.

Sample surveys and questionaire covering all generations and as many locations possible across India. Using Internet to collect information from Parsi settlements abroad.

Making available Kits for detection of specific allergies/deficiencies, requesting Government of India to waive duty on imports on some of these expensive Kits.

Kits to be used for field surveys by medical technicians to test participants in the survey.

Printing of reports from collated material.

Organisation of Seminar.

Publication of papers.

Research and findings to be collated for inclusion in CD-ROM.

Medical personnel: researchers, field workers pathologists.

Personnel to create and maintain web site at Hospital.

Translators with knowledge of traditional medical terms for collation of knowledge from the vaid / hakim schools of medicine.

Organisers for Seminar.

Recording for inclusion of information in CD-ROM.

FINANCIAL ASPECTS

Research, field surveys, using medical personnel, the cost of medical kits, the web site establishment and maintenance, the National Seminar, printing and publication cost, travel and digitalizing of information for the CD-ROM will all have to be taken into account.

Research and translations of the traditional medical methods and publication of the results will also require finance.

Cost of advertisements / public service messages in national newspapers can be covered by donations from individuals / corporate bodies.

Drug companies such as Dabur or multinationals can be approached for financing part of this Project.