IADVL sets Guinness World Record for receiving 9419 pledges to raise dermatological disease awareness in 24 hours

• This was the first time such an initiative was undertaken, where members of IADVL pledged for dermatological disease awareness and nominated themselves for the Guinness World Record for the most pledges in 24 hours.

– India’s largest organization of dermatologists, the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL), marked a significant milestone by achieving the Guinness World Records title for “MOST PLEDGES IN 24 HOURS TO RAISE DERMATOLOGICAL DISEASE AWARENESS”. The most pledges received in 24 hours were 9,419, and were achieved by IADVL members, online, on 5th-6th May 2024. The objective of this event was to bring together 17,000 doctors from across India, who came together online to lend their support for spreading social awareness about dermatological diseases. Through this awareness campaign, the organization aimed to shed light on the complexities of dermatological conditions and the critical role of qualified professionals in their diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Gulhima Arora, President of IADVL DELHI, said, ‘It fills us with immense pride that IADVL’s Dermatological Disease Awareness Campaign Entered the Guinness World Records. In an age rife with misinformation and amateur advice, the significance of NMC-qualified dermatologists has been of paramount importance. This event underscored our steadfast dedication to elevating awareness of dermatological diseases. Through diverse initiatives, including public awareness campaigns and educational programs, IADVL strove to empower both its members and the public with reliable dermatological knowledge’.

The official certificate from the Guinness World Record team will be received shortly.

‘A concerning lack of awareness persists regarding the grave threat to the nation’s health posed by unlicensed medical practitioners. Over the past few decades, the proliferation of such practices has surged, leading to detrimental and unrecognized outcomes in various medical procedures, particularly in dermatological and cosmetology procedures. These unauthorized practices often resulted in severe complications and exacerbated untreated skin conditions,’ said Dr. Himanshu Gupta, Secretary of IADVL Delhi. ‘Our event served as a platform to underscore the invaluable expertise NMC-qualified dermatologists bring to the table and the significance of seeking reliable medical advice.’

To gear up for the Guinness World Record attempt, IADVL meticulously laid out preparations, including a dedicated website crafted to streamline the pledging process for IADVL members, engagement of the Digital Forensics Team to audit online pledges meticulously, and submission of proofs and documentation to solidify their integrity and pursuit, all approved by the Guinness World Record standards.

Established in 1973, IADVL stands as a bastion of expertise and trust in Indian dermatology care. Boasting over 17,410 qualified members including dermatologists, venereologists, and leprologists who are board- certified, IADVL is instrumental in setting standards, disseminating knowledge, and advocating for top-tier dermatological care. Today, IADVL remains resolute in upholding professional standards, ensuring patients receive evidence-based care. Through diverse initiatives such as public awareness campaigns and educational programs, IADVL empowers members and the public alike with dependable dermatological knowledge.

Dr Rohit Batra, Immediate Past President, IADVL Delhi, expresses, ‘IADVL is deeply concerned about the growing menace of unlicensed medical practitioners and its detrimental impact on public health. As advocates for patient safety and quality healthcare standards, IADVL calls for increased regulatory measures and enforcement to curb the proliferation of unlicensed medical practices.

Dr. Sumit Gupta, Vice President of IADVL Delhi, emphasized, “As we embarked on this remarkable journey, IADVL reiterated its dedication to advancing dermatology care, fostering public awareness, and effecting positive change in the lives of those afflicted by dermatological diseases.”

The pledge that the members of IADVL took for the GWR Official Attempt stated, ‘As a proud member of IADVL, I solemnly pledge to preserve the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in my role as a Dermatologist, Venereologists, and Leprologists. With unwavering commitment, I vow to provide empathetic care while fostering community awareness regarding Skin-Hair-Nail health, leprosy, and genital diseases. I commit to unflinching dedication to life-long learning, ensuring the delivery of optimal healthcare for the well-being of all’.