Hyderabad: On the occasion of World Heart Day, AIG Hospitals conducted a mega, free cardiac health check up camp for GHMC sanitation workers. Astonishingly, 27% had suspected, undiagnosed heart diseases which were detected during the investigations at the camp.
“It was indeed necessary to see the prevalence of heart diseases among this sub-set of urban population because of the inaccessibility of preventive health for people working at the grass root. It was our heart felt way of saying thank you for keeping our city clean and hygienic,” Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman, AIG Hospitals said.
Dr. Reddy further added that “one of the incidental findings from the camp was the alarming level of anemic females among the workers. More than 35% had their hemoglobin level well below the normal limits. Although we did the provision for iron supplements for all these patients, a thorough diet focused plan is required for them. We are looking at means to investigate this further and take appropriate medical approach towards the same.”
Talking about the initiative, Sri Ronald Rose, Commissioner, GHMC said “it is indeed thoughtful of AIG Hospitals to bring the GHMC workers under the gamut of preventive healthcare. The success of the camp is reflected in the number of workers getting diagnosed and receiving required treatment. The data also gives us a new perspective to work on and we will be working closely with AIG to make sure that health and wellbeing of our workforce is given top priority. Not just heart health but our workers will get screened for lung disorders and cancers as well using the AIG clinical expertise.”
Commenting on the staggering number of workers presenting with undiagnosed heart diseases at the camp, Dr. Rajeev Menon, Clinical Director, AIG Hospitals said “the major risk factors for heart diseases which came to light among these workers are smoking and eating high-carbohydrate, fried foods usually prepared from oil that has been used multiple times. Out of 654 workers that were screened for cardiovascular diseases, 177 had symptoms of hypertension and other cardiac diseases and upon further investigation with ECG and 2D ECHO, 58 were diagnosed with definitive heart illnesses. They will now be subjected to detailed investigations and accordingly a treatment plan will be devised. Medications for hypertension were given at the camp itself.”
AIG Hospitals will further collaborate with the GHMC to screen the entire workforce of more than 4500 members of the organization for various diseases including gastrointestinal diseases, lung disorders, cancers, and neurological issues over next year. “The results from this camp are an indicator of the kind of undiagnosed diseases that may be associated with the workers of GHMC. These are the people who are taking care of the entire city’s hygiene and that’s why it is our responsibility to take care of their health. We will be working with the GHMC officials to ensure that the entire workforce gets a comprehensive health checkup done,” Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy concluded.
