Art in Medicine (AIM), an exclusive centre to tap the possibilities of de-stressing with music, is all set to start functioning in the city with the support of a group of seasoned doctors, who has proved their talent in musical performances.
K. Jayakumar, senior IAS officer and Vice Chancellor of the Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University, will inaugurate the functioning of AIM, set up near Pottammal with all modern audio facilities to experience the music therapy, on August 27. Support of experts from private and public sectors will be enlisted to coordinate the functioning of the centre, claimed to be the first of its kind in the State.
“The stream of music therapy is yet to be a popular concept in Kerala though the demand is high for tapping its possibilities. Only a very few doctors are currently specialised or interested in this field as the efficacy of it depends upon on their dedication and patience,” says T.P. Mehroof Raj, a Hindustani singer-cum-doctor, who heads AIM.
Dr. Raj, who was formerly a physician with the Government General Hospital in Kozhikode, says the new initiative is the result of the support of a number of music lovers and doctors across the State. “We have a panel of eminent musicians, including singers and instrumentalists, to organise concerts and they know the needs of the patients suffering from various chronic ailments,” he adds.
Coordinators of AIM say the project will be a boon for hundreds of patients currently depending on various palliative care services. It will work with all voluntary and charitable organisations to reach out to the target groups, they add.