Bengaluru, October 22(www.justkannada.in): We are witnessing an increase in the number of hypertension among the middle class and the poor. The deaths occuring due to non communicable diseases are higher than those being caused from communicable diseases, said Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar.
Speaking at the Stroke Nursing Conclave 2022 event at Bangalore Medical College held on occasion of World Stroke Day, Minister Sudhakar said, “for various reasons, around 70% of hypertension cases are being seen among the middle class and those under the poverty line. This has been a rising concern and issue for underdeveloped and developing countries.”
October 29 is observed as the World Stroke Day and many countries around the world are constantly trying to find solutions to this issue. The surprising thing is that diabetes, hypertension and other non communicable diseases are causing more number of deaths than communicable diseases. Our government both at the Union and state level are taking measures to prevent this. It is better to prevent a disease rather than trying to cure it after you have get it. Hence, we from our government are focusing on creating awareness about such non communicable diseases.
Creating awareness among several sections of society including people below the poverty line, illiterate, people in rural areas and and those who don’t have much awareness about health is our challenge now. Doctors only provide treatment to stroke patients but they are cared for by nurses. It is the primary responsibility of nurses to properly care for, make the patient aware of the issue and emotionally strengthen the patient. This is what actually allows a patient to heal, Minister Sudhakar said.
The number of people getting hypertension is increasing in the country. India is gaining an infamous reputation of being the world’s diabetes capital. The main cause for stroke is hypertension and the number of hypertension cases we address directly causes the number of strokes to go down. If one lives a healthy lifestyle including good food habits, physical activity, care for mental health, a healthy social life can help one mitigate the risk for stroke.
The government is already conducting awareness programs. Over 9000 sub centers of NCD clinics have been established in the state currently and a total of 6000 CHOs have been appointed for this. This is also one of the main intentions of establishing the Namma Clinics. The Namma Clinics will offer screening and treatment for non-communicable diseases including hypertension. The Namma Clinics will also perform the task of collecting data about non-communicable diseases and offer advice on following a nutritious diet.
Time is very critical when it comes to stroke. It is important how quickly you reach a doctor. The deciding factor of what the patient’s condition will be is how fast he gets treatment. How the doctors and other personnel treat the patient and his family is also an important factor. If the patient receives proper and timely treatment, the chances of recovery and the time of recovery improves. We need to build Arogya Karnataka (healthy Karnataka) through the use of technology, Minister Sudhakar said.
