Bengaluru: A recent study regarding asthma and other respiratory disorders among underprivileged children in the city has revealed that an overwhelming majority don't get the right treatment.
Out of 2,000 children surveyed in Bengaluru, 201 were suffering from asthma and only 37 were on the correct asthmatic treatment regimen.
The six-month long project 'Childhood Asthma Intervention and Referrals Initiative' was conducted by Glenmark ShwaaS (the respiratory division of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals) in association with AmeriCares India Foundation. Apart from Bengaluru, the study was also conducted in Kochi, Lucknow, Bhubaneswar and Nagpur.
During the screening camps, the children in the age group of 0-16 years were mapped and listed for further investigation, treatment or consultation.
Cherylann Pinto, Director, Corporate Affairs, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., said, "The main objective of the project is to reach out to the most underprivileged children affected by the issue of the high incidence of asthma and COPD. The other aspect was to educate the parents and the community at large on the care and treatment for the illness."
In Bengaluru, the camps were conducted at St. Philomena's Hospital.
"Asthma is a variable disease requiring repeated follow-up and consultation. In such a scenario, offering an affordable treatment and consultation plays an important role for the continuous treatment of the children," said Shripad Desai, Country Director, AmeriCares India.
He revealed that during the project 414 families were educated on asthma and related disorders. "Screening and treatment referrals play an important role in early diagnosis and treatment of the ailments in children," Shripad said.
