CHANDIGARH: On the occasion of “World Hypertension Day” the Punjab government launched the awareness campaign to raise awareness of high risk populations about the worst effects of comorbidities like high blood pressure and diabetes etc.
During the publication of the calendar of spreadsheets on NCD prevention measures and lifestyle information, Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu said that given the high death rate of COVID patients, the Punjab government has started the intensive initiative to raise awareness among rural populations about the impact from high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke etc which have been found to be fatal in patients affected by COVID-19 who later ended up in hospitals.
Mr Sidhu said the Punjab government had already provided free diagnosis and treatment to patients suffering from non-communicable diseases. He said that high blood pressure is the main component of the NPCDCS program and it is unfortunate that many people do not know they have high blood pressure. Hence it is also known as the silent killer. The state has the India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) program, which is already running in ten districts and is getting good results.
The COVID 19 pandemic is spreading very widely across the state and has sad consequences for those suffering from cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke, he added.
Dr. GB Singh, Director of Health and Family Welfare in Punjab, said that May 17th, World Hypertension Day, is being celebrated by all countries to raise public awareness. Previous health news in the form of the direct letter “Chhitti” was distributed door-to-door across the state by health workers (ANMs & ASHA).
Dr. GB Singh said a radio / audio health message campaign for better health care and control of COVID was launched this year. Dr. Sandeep Singh, NPCDCS Punjab State Program Officer, said efforts are being made to get medicines for high blood pressure and diabetes patients on the doorstep by ASHA staff.
