PRESS RELEASE
Hypertension Care and Control - A Tiruvannamalai Case Study
Venue : Hotel Himalayaa, Tiruvannamalai
Date : May 28, 2024
Time : 10 am - 12.30 pm
Tiruvannamalai, May 28, 2024 - Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG), along with SINAM NGO, Tiruvannamalai organised a meeting titled "Hypertension Care and Control - A Tiruvannamalai Case Study". The event brought together a panel of esteemed doctors, nutritionists, and government officials to discuss key findings and strategies for enhancing the existing hypertension patient care and control within the region.
Hypertension, a leading cause of early mortality on a global scale, has been recognized as a significant health issue by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO has established an international goal to decrease the prevalence of hypertension by 33% from 2010 to 2030. In alignment with this effort, the Government of India has introduced the "75/25" campaign to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs), specifically targeting hypertension and diabetes. This initiative aims to screen and provide standard care for 75 million individuals with hypertension and diabetes by 2025. Additionally, the Tamil Nadu Government has implemented substantial measures to address hypertension at the state level. Women health volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring that medication is readily available and regular follow-up check-ups for hypertensive patients at their doorstep.
CAG's efforts in engaging with communities and collaborating with stakeholders have furthered the cause of hypertension care and control in the region. The organization, in partnership with Sinam, initiated a pilot study in the Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu, encompassing 16 Primary Health Centers (PHCs) across 3 blocks. The study aimed to gain insights into effective practices and identify areas for improvement by interacting with hypertensive patients undergoing treatment in government healthcare facilities.
The overall feedback from participants underscored their satisfaction with the government healthcare facilities and services in Tiruvannamalai, signaling the positive impact of the government's initiatives in managing hypertension. However, concerns were raised regarding issues such as similar colour packaging, the allocation of a specific day for non-communicable disease (NCD) treatment, and accessibility to Primary Health Centers (PHCs), suggesting potential opportunities for improvement in the existing system.
The meeting, which took place at a crucial juncture in the global efforts to combat hypertension, aimed to address the growing concerns and identify potential areas for improvement within the healthcare system. The panelists engaged in insightful discussions, and the experiences shared by hypertensive patients undergoing treatment in government healthcare facilities shed light on the ground realities. The event not only emphasized the successes achieved but also highlighted several areas that warrant attention for further enhancement.
Dr. Ganesan, Swathi Shri Hospitals, a speaker at the event said that “Today’s fast paced lifestyle has led to increase in non-communicable diseases like hypertension. Hypertension leads to other major health conditions like kidney & heart diseases,stroke,and loss of vision. Therefore it is important to reduce the consumption of salt and fatty foods”.
“We are currently addicted to western food cultures, even children in the villages have started consuming pasta and other processed food. This penetration of the junk food culture has led to reduction in consumption of a balanced diet.Unfortunately people are unaware that this is one of the main reasons for hypertension”, said DR. S. Susikannama, District Siddha Medical Officer
S Saroja, Executive Director at CAG stated that hypertension, which was an urban issue once upon a time, is no longer so. The percentage has gone up in the rural areas as well, mainly due to change in the dietary habits. Hypertension in youth is also a cause of concern these days. Therefore, early screening for hypertension and effective care and control is essential.
Mr. Rama Perumal , Founder of SINAM, a non governmental organisation based in Tiruvannamalai, said that it was alarming to see so many daily wagers affected by hypertension. He appreciated the initiative of the state government which was inclusive and said that this should continue effectively in order to monitor and control hypertension cases in the district.
For further information, please contact: Subramani Muthukumar - 8807214008 | subramani.muthukumar@cag.org.in
About CAG: Citizen consumer & civic Action Group (CAG) is a thirty eight year old non-profit and non-political organisation working on citizen rights and good governance. It has worked primarily to protect the interests of consumers and citizens of Chennai, though its efforts have had state-level and even national level impacts.