To sensitize people on hypertension and educate them on healthy lifestyle practices, Punjab Health Department has launched a state-wide awareness programme.
Under the initiative, the Department would ask the people to go for health checkups and have their blood pressure checked at government hospitals in the state, said the state Health and Family Welfare Minister Brahm Mohindra.
The programme was launched a day before to mark the World Hypertension Day, which is observed on May 17.
“According to a survey, out of every 10 people, three suffer from the chronic disease. lack of awareness about hypertension, unhealthy lifestyle and not going for regular health checkups are the main reasons behind the spread of the disease,” he said.
Mohindra said that as per an advisory from the World Health Organisation (WHO), every citizen should get their blood pressure measured at regular intervals.
In order to make people aware about the chronic disease, the health department, for the first time, has launched awareness vans in every district of the state.
Experts and health workers, travelling on these vans, will sensitize the people about the effects of hypertension and on healthy lifestyle practices, like evening and morning walks and exercises, the Minister said.
Instructions have also been issued to the Health Department for smooth and hassle-free delivery of medical services at government hospitals, Mohindra said.
Principal Secretary (Health) Anjali Bhanwra said that so far, 21 lakh people have undergone preliminary health checkups at government hospitals and about four lakh people have been diagnosed with symptoms of high blood pressure.
She said that the Health Department is organizing awareness and health checkup camps at primary and community health centres in the rural areas.