Pune, 23rd January 2024: A recent survey conducted under the ‘Nirogi Aarogya Tarunaiche Vaibhav Maharashtrache’ (NATVM) program has unveiled a shocking reality – over 5.53 lakh men, constituting 17% of the 31.79 lakh screened in Pune district, have been diagnosed with hypertension. Launched in September 2023, the program aims to raise health awareness and identify potential health issues before they escalate.
Hypertension, often referred to as a ‘silent killer,’ remains undetected until serious health problems emerge, such as heart attacks or strokes. The initiative seeks to combat this by providing free screening tests, medication, and treatment to residents, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention.
Despite the program’s noble intentions, there has been a lukewarm response in the city. The screening process, targeting men above 18 years of age at government healthcare facilities, is crucial in identifying cases and ensuring timely treatment, whether surgical or medical.
The statistics from the survey reveal not only the high prevalence of hypertension but also the identification of 36,000 men with diabetes and 20,000 men with heart conditions. However, the positive aspect is that less than 2% of men were diagnosed with other illnesses such as anaemia, cataracts, or cancer.
The NATVM program, running until March 2024, emphasizes the need for increased health awareness and participation in preventive healthcare measures. Pune’s alarming numbers highlight the urgency for residents to undergo screening tests at nearby PMC hospitals for early detection and effective management.
