50% NCD patients skip care over travel cost; survey shows risk rising in Rajendranagar; HHF sets up free clinics

HYDERABAD: According to a survey by the city-based healthcare organisation Helping Hand Foundation (HHF) in Rajendranagar, nearly 50% of the 12,000 patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) found it difficult to visit health centres due to travel costs and distance.

This led to irregular treatment, increasing risk of serious health complications. The health organisation has conducted a survey of around 200 households over the past three years. With NCDs such as diabetes, high blood pressure and thyroid cases growing rapidly in Hyderabad and neaby areas, the HHF, which collaborates with govt hospitals in the city, has set up three special clinics called Basti BP & Sugar Clinics in remote areas of Rajendranagar - MM Pahadi, Suleman Nagar and Chintalmet.

These NCD sub-centres are designed to provide free, accessible care to low-income communities and serve a population of 65,000-70,000 people in Rajendranagar. "A community-centric approach is the best way to control chronic diseases in underserved communities," said Mujtaba Hasan Askari of HHF.