Consumer VOICE in collaboration with its state partner, National Centre for Human Settlements and Environment, Bhopal organized a workshop on Rising Burden of NCDs & Prevention and Care of Hypertension on 28th of June in the Conference Hall, EPCO, Bhopal.

The ‘Workshop was organized in Bhopal with the objective of creating awareness among the people about the health – risks of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension (HTN) which is a major risk factor.

Dr Pradip Nandi, Director General, NCHSE in his welcome address highlighted the importance of creating awareness among people about the NCDs and HTN. 

Mr. Ashim Sanyal, COO, Consumer VOICE made a detailed presentation highlighting prevalence of NCDs and HTN in India.  Talking about how timely intervention can save patients from serious hypertension problems like stroke and organ damage, he said that “most Indians are not aware that they are suffering from hypertension.” He raised concern about the lowest screening of hypertensive individuals in Madhya Pradesh and said that strengthening primary healthcare will not only reduce mortality but also significantly reduce the need for secondary and tertiary care and its related costs.   He also stressed that “as a consumer rights organization we made it our mission to work with people, spread awareness and ensure that more and more people are screening their BP regularly and if diagnosed as hypertension, staying on treatment.”

Dr. Prabhakar Tiwari, CMHO, Bhopal said the “hypertension is prevalent equally in urban and rural India and that screening of hypertensive individuals is crucial since early detection and treatment could prevent morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension.” He also emphasized the need for lifestyle modifications to curb hypertension.  He appraised the participants about the medical infrastructure and services being made available by the government for the screening and treatment of patients suffering from  NCDs including HTN.  

Dr Abhishek Goyal, Professor and Head Department of Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS Bhopal said that obstruction in breathing during sleep called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious disorder.  The patients with severe OSA have an increased risk of hypertension, heart attack, heart failure and strokes. He further said that Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy along with life style modification is the most effective treatment for OSA and hypertension.

Experience Sharing: 

Mrs Prem Bai, one of the patient suffering from acute sleep apnea and Hypertension, narrated her story about her recovery from the jaws of death through treatment at AIIMS, Bhopal. During her interaction with Mr Ashim Sanyal, it was revealed that she was overweight and was suffering from and HTN and OSA. She was admitted at AIIMS when she became unconscious. She was in ICU with little hope of survival. But with proper treatment at AIIMs she recovered. She is on controlled diet and uses CPAP equipment during sleep. However, on the question of taking regular medicine post recovery as prescribed by the doctor, she admitted that she discontinued taking medicine without consultation with the doctor. 

When Mr Sanyal asked about the discontinuation of medicine by Mrs Prem Bai, Dr. Priti of AIIMS, her physician admitted that it is not correct. She should continue with medicine as suggested by them.  

Shri Avinash Srivastava of NCHSE conducted the programme and gave vote of thanks.  

There was lively discussion of the experts with the enlightened participants, who raised various questions which was answered by the experts. The participants appreciated the programme and the resource materials provided to them. The event was widely covered in the print media. Queries are pouring in from the person who could not attend the event about the next event. 

Additional Activity:

The Office of CMHO had arranged a health checkup camp for blood pressure and blood sugar level for participants and others at the venue. Medicines were also distributed free of cost to the patients.

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