Hypertension major health issue in MP: state NHM official

Out of the over three million people screened recently for non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes and cancer in Madhya Pradesh, 86 per cent are being given treatment, a senior health official said Friday.

The screening was done over 45 days, said Dr Saloni Sidana, Additional Director, National Health Mission (NHM) Madhya Pradesh.

"The burden of hypertension is high in Madhya Pradesh and the state government is prioritising it as a public health issue. The MP government screened over three million people for non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes and cancer in the past 45 days, of which 86 per cent have been put on treatment," Sidana said.

She was speaking at a dialogue on hypertension management and elimination of trans-fatty acids held here, which was attended by media persons, policy makers, medical fraternity and members of civil society.

Follow-up is an integral part of the screening, and those diagnosed with hypertension have been put on treatment right from day one, the official said.

The screening process has also brought to light the high prevalence and low level of awareness about NCDs in rural areas, she said, adding that the measures to to strengthen the screening process include training of ASHA (accredited social health activist) workers on use of non-invasive blood pressure machines.

Dr Rajeev Gupta, professor of cardiology at state-run Gandhi Medical College (GMC), said hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for death and disability in Madhya Pradesh, and emphasised the importance of prevention and control of blood pressure.

Gupta said there was need to monitor early morning rise of blood pressure, especially between 4 am and 9 am, which he informed led to a high number of cardiovascular events.

"Pre-hypertension among the younger population is a cause of concern," Gupta added.

Madhya Pradesh Food and Drug Administration Joint Controller DK Nagendra spoke on how enhancement of laboratory facilities, including a microbiology lab, will help the state achieve the status of being free from industrially produced trans fats by 2022.

"The setting up of new labs in Gwalior, Indore and Jabalpur will enhance our testing capabilities," he noted.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Consumer Voice COO Ashim Sanyal said it was time the country took concerted efforts in line with the World Health Organisation's REPLACE strategy to eliminate trans fats from the food system by 2022.

REPLACE stands for Review (RE), Promote, Legislate, Assess, Create and Enforce.

The Delhi-based Consumer Voice has been spreading awareness about the ill effects of trans-fatty acids on health.