A campaign, ‘Check BP - Stop Stroke,’ was launched in Guntur on Friday, to raise awareness about the importance of monitoring blood pressure, to prevent major health issues like brain stroke, heart attack and kidney failures. As part of the initiative, M.T. Krishna Babu, Special Chief Secretary of Health, Medical & Family Welfare department, flagged off a mobile BP bus.
The Indian Stroke Association (ISA), in collaboration with the Indian Red Cross Society and Rotary Club of Guntur, initiated the programme to raise public awareness in Andhra Pradesh and across India.
Brain stroke is a significant health concern, and a leading cause of death and disability. In India, every minute, three people suffer a stroke, and annually over 18 lakh cases, with 25 percent of cases affecting individuals below 40 years. The campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage regular blood pressure checks to mitigate these risks.
Mr. Krishna Babu said: “The State government is committed to preventive healthcare, and is providing blood pressure medications to all Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), and government hospitals across the state.”
Indian Stroke Association (ISA) President Dr. P. Vijaya, gave a presentation on hypertension and stroke. She explained that 50 percent of brain strokes are preventable if blood pressure is controlled. On hypertension she said: “It is a silent disease, often undetected, until it causes paralysis. Our campaign aims to educate and screen people.”
Dr. Arvind Sharma, Secretary of the Association announced that the campaign would continue across India. Red Cross Society Treasurer of AP State branch, P. Rama Chandra Raju, President of Rotary Club, G. Subba Rao, neurologists and other dignitaries participated in the event.