In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala has made significant strides in fighting lifestyle diseases through its ‘Aardram’ health program. Recently, over one crore people underwent screenings in the second phase of this initiative. According to Health Minister Veena George, about 45% of those screened were found to be at risk for various lifestyle diseases.
The figures are quite revealing: 1.34 million people were identified with hypertension, 885,051 with diabetes, and about 601,958 had both conditions. Alarmingly, over 203,000 individuals were flagged for potential cancer risks, with specific referrals made for oral, breast, and cervical cancers.
The program didn’t stop at just lifestyle diseases. A total of 242,736 individuals were referred for tuberculosis (TB) testing, and more than 387,000 were screened for respiratory issues. The health department also reached out to 97,769 bedridden patients and over 1.6 lakh people seeking assistance, ensuring that they received necessary health support.
This second phase follows a robust first phase, where more than 15.4 million individuals over 30 were screened. Those identified at risk were given follow-up care. The comprehensive approach targets both lifestyle disease prevention and cancer screening as crucial parts of the ‘Aardram’ strategy.
These efforts highlight the importance of health education and preventive measures in managing lifestyle diseases effectively and ensuring a healthier future for the people of Kerala.
- Published On Feb 7, 2025 at 12:37 PM IST
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