More than 4,800 people with symptoms suspected of diabetes and hypertension identified during the examination | Top Vip News

Through its workplace non-communicable disease (NCD) screening initiative, the Department of Health has found 4,868 people with suspected symptoms of diabetes and hypertension and advised them to visit the Primary Health Center (PHC) further. nearby for confirmation and prescription of medications.

It was in early January that the Department launched Thozhilalar Thedi Maruthuvam, an initiative that is part of Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam, to screen workers in the state. “So far, we have screened 78,119 people under this initiative, of whom 5,108 had known cases of diabetes and hypertension, while 4,868 were suspected of having these conditions during screening. We advise you to go to the APS for confirmation and prescription of medications. We will then disburse the medicines through Women Health Volunteers,” said TS Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.

As of now, people are screened for hypertension and diabetes in the workplace screening initiative, while they can go to primary care centers for cervical and breast cancer screening. “We started the initiative with an initial target of 6.35 lakh and ultimately plan to cover around 35 lakh workers, across organized and unorganized sectors, over a period of time,” he added.

The official asked employers to organize camps in coordination with the Health Department at their facilities and facilitate all employees to get tested. “Considering that an equal number of people were diagnosed only after this screening, compared to those who knew their NCD status, it is essential to screen all employees, regardless of their status,” he added.

In addition, he recommended annual exams for those who did not have hypertension or diabetes. DPH urged employees to take advantage of this opportunity and ensure their family members are tested. “In particular, women over 30 should be screened for cervical and breast cancer, as well as hypertension and diabetes,” she said.