Media Release
Bengaluru, Sep 16: Globally, sepsis affects nearly 50 million people annually and causes over 11 million deaths—making it one of the most urgent yet under-recognised medical emergencies. In India, sepsis often arises from common infections such as dengue, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and post-surgical complications.
Sepsis is the number one cause of death in hospitals, hospital readmissions and healthcare costs. A total of 50% of survivors suffer long term physical and psychological effects, and 40% of cases are I children below 5 years of age. The burden is especially heavy in government hospitals and underserved communities, where delayed recognition and limited resources can turn treatable infections into fatal outcomes.
To mark World Sepsis Day, the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) – Bangalore Chapter, in collaboration with Victoria Hospital and Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute (BMCRI), conducted a vibrant public awareness program aimed at demystifying sepsis and empowering communities with life-saving knowledge.
The program was inaugurated by Dr Kavya, dean of BMCRI, and Dr Deepak S, medical superintendent of Victoria Hospital, who emphasized the need for early intervention and public education. Dr Vijaya Kumar, head of ICU at Victoria Hospital, spoke candidly about the challenges faced in government settings and the critical role of awareness in reducing mortality.
Dr Natesh Prabu, secretary of ISCCM Bengaluru, led the initiative, supported by Dr Karthik Rao and Dr Radha M G, whose team of critical care physicians curated a bilingual street play that dramatized real-life scenarios of sepsis progression and timely action.
Adding energy and engagement, Dr Pooja, Dr Ganesh Manjunatha, Dr Divya Dinakar, and Dr Jyoti Sridhar, Dr Rajavardhan led interactive sessions and participated in a flash mob that drew attention from patients, caregivers, and passersby. These creative performances helped translate medical concepts into relatable messages, sparking curiosity and conversation among attendees.
One of the most impactful moments came when a first-aid kit was awarded to a participant who correctly identified sepsis warning signs. This was followed by a heartfelt reflection from a patient who had survived sepsis, sharing how early recognition and swift treatment had saved their life. The audience listened with rapt attention, many visibly moved, and several asked follow-up questions about symptoms and prevention.
Why programmes like this matter
In both urban and rural India, many families are unaware that common infections can escalate into sepsis. By teaching red-flag symptoms—persistent fever, rapid breathing, confusion, low urine output, and extreme weakness—this programme empowers individuals to seek help before it’s too late.
The programme concluded with a strong message: Sepsis is preventable and treatable—if caught early. Every minute counts. Organisers reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing outreach, with plans to take similar programs to schools, markets, and village health centers in the coming months.