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Time of India
02-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
72% deliveries registered at urban PHCs took place in govt hosps: Survey
Hyderabad: Around 72% of deliveries registered at urban primary health centres (PHCs) between Aug and Dec 2024 took place in govt hospitals, revealed a survey by the city-based healthcare NGO, Helping Hand Foundation (HHF). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The survey covered 3,075 pre-natal cases across 12 PHCs in over 90 urban settlements, mostly in the city's south and west areas, which are also home to migrant labourers and low-income communities. As part of its maternal health initiative , HHF assigned one trained maternal health counsellor for every 250 pregnant women. The counsellors provided trimester-wise guidance on follow-ups, tests, scans, nutrition, and hygiene, ensuring consistent engagement throughout the pregnancy. "The most important aspect of our intervention was convincing women to opt for deliveries in govt hospitals. Our trained volunteers stationed in maternity hospitals provided crucial support and guidance throughout the pregnancy," said HHF founder trustee Mujtaba Hasan Askari, adding that of the 432 deliveries recorded during this period, 72% took place in govt hospitals — completely free of charge. "This resulted in an estimated saving of Rs 1 crore in out-of-pocket expenses for these families," he said. Crucially, 68% of deliveries were normal, demonstrating the success of early risk identification and ongoing care. While 45% of the women had anaemia early in pregnancy, most recovered with dietary and medical help. Around 21% had gestational diabetes and 15% developed pregnancy-related anaemia. The outcomes were encouraging: 99% of births were live births (428), with only three intrauterine deaths. No neonatal complications were reported, and the sex ratio was 54% male and 46% female. "These indicators strongly suggest the effectiveness of community-based antenatal care and timely referrals," said Dr Amina Afshan, chief medical officer at HHF's health centre in Pahadi Shareef.
The Hindu
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
When faith and friendship crossed boundaries: A Christian couple, a Muslim friend, and the will to carry on
In an age marked by increasing social divides, the story of Geetha, David, and Amir Unnisa stands out as a testament to the enduring power of friendship and compassion beyond religious lines. Geetha, a 70-year-old Christian woman from Hyderabad, spent decades earning a living by selling flowers outside temples. Alongside her was her husband, David, a skilled cook and her lifelong partner. Though they never had children, their bond was rich with love and shared hardships. Earlier this year, however, their world was shaken when Geetha lost her right leg to diabetes. Following her amputation at the government-run Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad in January 2025, David gave up his job to care for her full time. It was a reversal of roles; just months earlier, Geetha had looked after David when he underwent surgery for appendicitis, despite her worsening health. With no immediate family to turn to, the couple leaned solely on each other, their days marked by quiet courage and unwavering devotion. But help arrived from an unexpected place. Hearing about their plight from faraway Mumbai, Amir Unnisa, David's childhood friend made the journey across States to support them. Despite her modest means, Amir Unnisa tirelessly sought help for her friends, knocking on doors across Hyderabad. Her efforts initially met with disappointment, until a local auto driver, familiar with the city's charitable networks, took her to Helping Hand Foundation (HHF). Moved by Geetha's condition, HHF quickly stepped in, pledging to provide financial assistance and facilitate her ongoing treatment at Gandhi Hospital. 'They need monthly support until Geetha can walk again and return to her flower-selling work, which HHF will be supporting,' said Mujtaba Hasan Askari of Helping Hand Foundation.
The Hindu
21-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Rising women's health issues in Hyderabad slums puts spotlight on overworked ASHA workers
A recent community health survey conducted by Hyderabad-based NGO, Helping Hand Foundation (HHF) has revealed a rise in reproductive and non-communicable health issues among women in Hyderabad's urban slums, shining a spotlight on the critical but overburdened role of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). In a screening of over 22,000 women from marginalised communities across primary health centres run by HHF, the survey found that 40% of women suffered from irregular menstruation, with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) emerging as a major concern. The hormonal disorder, often driven by poor diet and sedentary lifestyles, affected 40% of adolescent girls and nearly 50% of adult women in the surveyed population. 'At the heart of this outreach system are ASHA workers, community-based healthcare providers responsible for a range of services, from antenatal care and immunisation to monitoring non-communicable diseases and conducting follow-ups. However, with the surge in complex health conditions, ASHA workers are finding themselves increasingly stretched thin,' said Mujtaba Hasan Askari, founder of Helping Hand Foundation. Telangana is home to nearly 30,000 ASHAs, with approximately 2,500 of them registered and actively serving in Hyderabad alone, said a senior health official. Working as the backbone of community-level healthcare, ASHAs play a crucial role in maternal and child health, immunisation, and disease prevention. They are often the first point of contact for healthcare in underserved areas. The report also highlighted that 22% of adolescent girls were anaemic, while nearly half (45%) of pregnant women suffered from anaemia. Pregnancy-related complications were alarmingly common, 15% of women experienced pregnancy-induced hypertension, 11% had gestational diabetes, and postpartum conditions were widespread, with 24% reporting hypertension, 20% facing depression and 43% suffering from persistent physical discomfort and pain after childbirth. Mr. Mujtaba Askari further added that ASHAs are the backbone of primary health networks, but they are overworked and under-resourced. From newborn care to chronic diseases, they're doing everything with very limited bandwidth. Given that most of these health conditions are preventable with timely awareness and lifestyle interventions, experts argue that investing in the capacity-building of ASHA workers is critical. HHF suggested introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based neonatal and maternal health tools, increasing training in reproductive health counselling, and most importantly, improving pay and working conditions for ASHAs.
