Open bone density test labs, increase insurance cover for elderly: Experts
At a press meet held at the Tiruchy Press Club on Monday, the Tiruchy Orthopaedic Society flagged an increase in cases of osteoporosis, arthritis, spinal compression, and fragility fractures in the past decade especially among women above 55-years-of-age driven by age-related hormonal changes, poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyles, and lack of sunlight exposure.
'Bone health among the elderly is now a public health challenge. Many patients come to us only after a fall or fracture, which could have been prevented with timely screening,' said Dr K Balasubramanian, president of Tiruchy Orthopaedic Society. The association has placed two key demands before the state government.
First, they have called for an increase in the insurance ceiling for elderly patients under the CM's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), to reduce financial dependence on family members. Second, they have urged the establishment of bone mineral density (BMD) scan centres in all Government Medical College Hospitals to ensure early detection and timely intervention.
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New Indian Express
2 days ago
- New Indian Express
Open bone density test labs, increase insurance cover for elderly: Experts
TIRUCHY: With bone-related ailments being diagonsed among the elderly in Tiruchy regularly, orthopaedic specialists have urged the Tamil Nadu government to strengthen early detection infrastructure and expand financial aid under public health insurance schemes. At a press meet held at the Tiruchy Press Club on Monday, the Tiruchy Orthopaedic Society flagged an increase in cases of osteoporosis, arthritis, spinal compression, and fragility fractures in the past decade especially among women above 55-years-of-age driven by age-related hormonal changes, poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyles, and lack of sunlight exposure. 'Bone health among the elderly is now a public health challenge. Many patients come to us only after a fall or fracture, which could have been prevented with timely screening,' said Dr K Balasubramanian, president of Tiruchy Orthopaedic Society. The association has placed two key demands before the state government. First, they have called for an increase in the insurance ceiling for elderly patients under the CM's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), to reduce financial dependence on family members. Second, they have urged the establishment of bone mineral density (BMD) scan centres in all Government Medical College Hospitals to ensure early detection and timely intervention.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
CM launches specialty health camps across state
1 2 3 4 Chief minister M K Stalin launched specialty health screening camps called Nallam Kaakkum Stalin across all districts starting from Chennai on Saturday. Over the next six months, 1,256 high-level health camps will be organised on all working Saturdays, where specialists from at least 15 different specialties will provide tests and free consultations. In Madurai, a total of 1,005 people turned up at the camp held at Govt Model Girls Higher Secondary School at Othakadai. Commercial taxes minister P Moorthy presided over the inauguration. In Trichy, the camp was launched by municipal administration minister K N Nehru at Thillai Nagar. Officials said that 45 such camps will be conducted in the city. Deputy director of health services (DDHS), Madurai, Dr P Kumaragurubaran, said there were facilities for ECG, echo tests, x-rays, and scans in the camp. After registration, blood sample of the patients was collected, before they were sent to the general physician. They were further advised to go to specialists, the DDHS said. "They leave the premises with their medical report as well as the medicines prescribed," he said. Nehru said patients requiring follow-ups and intensive treatments will be treated using the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance (CMCHIS) scheme. Disability certificates can also be obtained from the camp. Those requiring cataract surgeries were referred to KAPV govt medical college hospital. Officials said Ayushman Bharath Health Account (ABHA) cards were provided for beneficiaries based on their Aadhaar card. The Madurai camp also had a cancer screening facility for cervical cancer and breast cancer, both of which can be identified immediately. In paediatrics, a six-year-old was identified with heart disease and referred to a govt hospital. In obstetrics and gynaecology, doctors observed anaemia and high blood pressure in most patients. They were made aware of cervical cancer screening to be undertaken every three years for married women, and how to identify breast cancer at home. District collector K J Praveen Kumar and Govt Rajaji Hospital dean Dr L Arul Sundaresh Kumar visited the camp. Areas concentrated with urban poor in Trichy city will be focused in the next set of health camps expected to go on for a year. Reacting to a question on a case filed by AIADMK leader C Ve Shanmugam challenging the usage of CM Stalin's name in govt schemes, Nehru said, "Even they (ADMK) launched several schemes after their leader Amma (J Jayalalithaa)." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
The Hindu
4 days ago
- The Hindu
Nalam Kaakkum Stalin health camps inaugurated in Tiruchi
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