October 30, 2023: India's First District-Level Study Exposes Disparities in Hypertension Care

October 30, 2023: India's First District-Level Study Exposes Disparities in Hypertension Care

A thorough investigation carried out by AIIMS Delhi in association with researchers from the US and Europe has brought to light notable differences in hypertension treatment provided at the district level in India. This ground-breaking research emphasises how urgently hypertension—often referred to as the “silent killer”—needs to be treated.

Principal Results District-Level Inequalities:

Data from over 1.7 million respondents in 707 Indian districts were analysed for this study. It was found that adults with hypertension made up one in four. But only one in three people obtained a diagnosis for their illness, fewer than one in five people got therapy, and only one in twelve people were able to keep their blood pressure under control.

Regional Variations:

The study discovered significant differences in blood pressure diagnosis (6.3%–77.5%), therapy (8.7%–97.1%), and control (2.7%–76.6%) amongst districts. The necessity for district-level tailored, decentralised healthcare solutions is highlighted by this regional discrepancy.

National Health Challenge:

Only 37% of India's 188.3 million hypertensive patients receive a diagnosis, 30% start therapy, and only 15% of them are able to effectively control their blood pressure, according to a recent WHO research. The study emphasises that if blood pressure management rates increase, treating hypertension might avert at least 4.6 million deaths in India by 2040.

District-Level Analysis's Importance

The differences within states were not sufficiently captured by earlier state-level assessments. Every district can now analyse data based on sociodemographic and gender discrepancies thanks to the newly developed district-wise hypertension dashboard.

Boosting District-Level Medical Services

The study emphasizes that even in a nation where healthcare is a state matter, districts still require more autonomy. It implies that Chief Medical Officers ought to be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate how well their district is managing hypertension and implement specific changes. This strategy acknowledges the value of a state- and district-specific continuum of care that is adapted to local requirements.

Participation of Local Healthcare Workers

The study also highlights how important it is for local healthcare professionals, such as ASHA employees, to screen for diabetes and hypertension. The best ways to enhance diagnosis and care while lessening the strain on tertiary healthcare facilities include conducting a door-to-door survey for hypertension screening and offering treatment through the closest medical facility.

Quick Links

TNPSC GOVERNMENT EXAMS

· TNPSC GROUP I Training institute

· TNPSC GROUP II Training institute

· TNPSC GROUP IIA Training institute

· TNPSC GROUP 4 Training institute

RRB

· Railway Recruitment Board JE

· Railway Recruitment Board NTPC

BANK

· IBPS PO bank coaching centre

· IBPS SO bank coaching centre