Health Minister states 45% people in Kerala at risk of lifestyle diseases

Thiruvananthapuram: More than one crore people were examined in the second phase of the health department's 'Aardram' health lifestyle illness detection initiative, which was introduced to prevent lifestyle disorders, according to Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Thursday.

In an official announcement, the minister stated that 44.85 per cent (45,00,077) of the population is at risk for lifestyle diseases.

As per current records, 13,39,455 (13.35 per cent) people are found to have hypertension, 8,85,051 (8.82 per cent) people with diabetes, and 6,01,958 (6 per cent) people with both.` A total of 2,03,506 people (2.03 per cent) were identified as being at risk of cancer and referred for further examination, while 39,889 people were referred for suspected oral cancer, 1,25,985 for breast cancer, and 45,436 for cervical cancer, the release said.

A total of 2,42,736 people were referred for TB testing and 3,87,229 for respiratory testing, PTI reported.

As many as 97,769 bedridden patients, 1,61,494 people in need of assistance and 33,25,020 elderly people were visited to collect health-related information and ensure continued service, it said.

The second phase is being implemented after more than 1.54 crore people above the age of 30 were screened in the first phase and those found to be at risk of diseases have been provided with follow-up treatment.

Lifestyle disease prevention and cancer prevention are the focal areas of the ten projects being implemented by the health department as part of the ‘Aardram' mission, the release said.