Hypertension Preventable: D L Ravindra Reddy

"Hypertension can be prevented by adopting a healthy life style, including a balanced diet and regular physical activities," advised Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr D L Ravindra Reddy.

Speaking at the World Health Day programme at DME Auditorium, the minister said that the World Health Organisation announced that this year's theme for the World Health Day is high blood pressure, to create awareness among the people. He advised the doctors to spread awareness among patients coming to PHCs about hypertension, and preventive methods to control high blood pressure.

The Minister also said that the universal health care services proposed to be implemented by the World Health Organization would provide the best health care for all the health problems in our country.

Health and Family Welfare Secretary Ajay Sawhney said that an awareness campaign on high blood pressure would be conducted throughout the state, and would include improving public health services, establishing testing facilities for blood pressure, and ensuring the availability of medicines for high blood pressure in all hospitals.

Health Commissioner Poonam Malakondaiah requested that all doctors to extend better health care services to the poor living in rural areas, and to create awareness on high blood pressure which is preventable. She said that hypertension can be reduced by reducing salt intake, eating a balanced diet, and by exercising regularly. The Commissioner assured that the department will take up a special awareness campaign through school-level health programmes.

Director of Public Health and Family Welfare Dr S Aruna Kumari said that out of 14 lakh people who were tested, nearly 1.23 lakh people were found to be suffering from hypertension. The figures show that nearly 9% of rural population was declared to be suffering from hypertension.

The Minister also presented awards to doctors for high performance, sponsored by the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, and APVVP Hospitals in all districts. The Minister also presented appreciation certificates to the winners of Bsc. Nursing and GNM Students in an essay writing competition. (INN)