Patients having high blood pressure and diabetes lack awareness. 88 people turned up at the free health camp at PES University, out of which 12 were diabetic.
By Yumna Ahmed
Free health camps endeavour to make people conscious of their health. High blood pressure, bone density and diabetes are increasing rapidly among people. Doctors say that often people do not take medication regularly even after being diagnosed.
Around 3.5 lakh people die in India every year due to diabetes. A study from the Biomed Central shows that about 47 percent people in India living with diabetes are unaware of their condition.
Dr. Saravamama principal of PES University said that they organized a health camp for people providing free check-up services as an awareness drive. “Generally any sugar test or blood pressure test cost about Rs. 100. Many people are not aware about the free health camps and regular health care centres which have free checup facility available,” he added.
Chetan Reddy, a student at PET University said the main motto of this camp is to aware people about regular health checkups and ensure that they take utmost care of their medical needs and do not neglect it.
The camp was initiated by Ex MLC member Dr. M.R Doreswamy who has been organising these camps for past ten years. Every year they organize a one month camp which includes BMI (Body Mass Index) test, Blood pressure test, bone density test, Blood sugar test and Blood donation campaign.
This time they focused on four areas Srinivas, Srinagar, Hanumanth nagar and Girinagar.
Aisiri, a student volunteer at the camp, informed the tests are performed in two phases, random and fasting.
She added, “88 people attended the camp, out of them 12 were diagnosed with high blood sugar and five with high blood pressure. We aware them and guide them for proper diet.”
Karigowda a resident of Hanumanthnagar who came for the check up said that after he was diagnosed with high blood sugar he comes for regular check up. “Many people do not take care of their health seriously. Individuals need to take active participation in health check-up, especially when we are getting it for free,” he added.
MBBS, Dr. B.K Vijendra said that although awareness drive is slightly active in cities, people in rural areas are ones who need it the most. He further said, “Health camps endeavour to make lives of people better. More camps need to be organized, awareness should be the goal.”
