Latest news with #PreethaReddy
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Ozempic will not solve India's obesity problem The Hindu Huddle 2025
In a compelling discussion titled 'The Trojan Horse of Indian Healthcare', panellists Dr. Anoop Misra, Dr. Preetha Reddy, and Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya tackle the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, obesity, and mental health challenges in India. Dr. Misra warns against the hype surrounding weight-loss drugs and health fads like ketogenic and gluten-free diets. Instead, he advocates for low-cost, sustainable dietary changes. Dr. Reddy flags the demographic risks of rising obesity among youth. At the same time, Dr. Lahariya highlights the hidden epidemic of mental illness and the need for policy reforms on sugar and salt consumption. The panel calls for urgent public health interventions to prevent India's demographic dividend from becoming a healthcare liability.
The Hindu
07-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
The Hindu Huddle to shine the light on rising tide of non-communicable diseases in India
Let us look at some sobering facts: India has the highest number of people living with diabetes in the world, with an estimated 212 million cases in 2022. According to the World Health Organization, there are an estimated 77 million people in India above the age of 18 who are suffering from diabetes (type 2) and nearly 25 million are prediabetic (at a higher risk of developing diabetes in near future). That is probably the largest part of the non-communicable diseases (NCD) pie. Add to this the number of people with hypertension, stroke, cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic lung disease and the actual position is truly staggering. NCDs occur because of a combination of factors — primarily changing lifestyles, environmental factors, and genetics — and have grown to a huge proportion in the country. The messaging, therefore, is that interventions have to be immediate, and effective, both in terms of launching treatment as well as prevention strategies. A session at The Hindu Huddle, which will be held in Bengaluru on May 9 and 10, titled 'Non-communicable diseases: Trojan horse of India's health', seeks to discuss the multiple dimensions of India's NCD 'epidemic' and evaluate strategies that may be deployed by the public and private health sectors to ensure that the tide is stemmed and that all those who already have NCDs have access to treatment and affordable healthcare. On the panel are three key experts from India who stand at various points of the care paradigm. They will share real-time experiences, and possible solutions for the way forward. While Preetha Reddy, executive vice-chairperson, Apollo Hospitals, comes armed with the experience of being at the head of cutting-edge private care in the country, Anoop Mishra, chairman, Fortis C-DOC Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences, brings to the table avant-garde research in the sector and experiences from close patient interactions. Chandrakanth Lahariya wears many hats, but will participate as someone who keenly watches the health systems of the country and a sagacious policy adviser. The session will be moderated by Ramya Kannan, Health Editor and Chief of Bureau, Tamil Nadu, The Hindu. If you have any questions that you would like the moderator to ask the panellists, write to huddle@
India Today
28-04-2025
- Health
- India Today
India still waits for its symptoms: How a mindset shift can save millions
In India, a large number of diseases are preventable, yet many people still seek medical care only after symptoms are warning that this reactive approach is putting millions at risk, especially because many serious conditions, like diabetes, hypertension, and fatty liver disease, often have no visible symptoms in their early stages."The primary barrier is an ingrained mindset that prioritises treatment over prevention. Despite increasing awareness, many still wait for symptoms before seeking care. Changing this cultural habit remains a challenge," said Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, highlighting a deep-rooted mindset as one of the biggest barriers to preventive healthcare in Apollo's recent Health of the Nation 2025 report shows a 150% increase in preventive health screenings over the last five years. However, the majority of people still delay check-ups until they feel unwell, missing the opportunity to catch health issues early. A majority of people still delay check-ups until they feel unwell, missing the opportunity to catch health issues early. () "Don't wait for symptoms, make preventive health your priority," the report highlighted, pointing out that 26% of those screened had hypertension and 23% diabetic despite showing no major reason for this delay, Dr. Reddy explained, is the lack of effective communication linking preventive care to long-term health benefits. Many individuals are unaware that conditions like high blood pressure or fatty liver disease can be managed early if detected through simple preventive care is not seen as part of a regular routine, like regular SIPs in mutual funds which are today widely accepted due to a sustained communication program, it's easy to overlook its importance," added Dr. and affordability have also been it comes to accessibility, we have taken deliberate steps to ensure that our advanced diagnostic tools are available not only in major cities but also in smaller towns. Speaking about Apollo's integrative care, by adding advanced diagnostic tools in urban and rural areas, Dr. Reddy said, "Over the years, technological advancements have enabled us to streamline these services from our flagship hospitals to community clinics to progressively bridging the gap in geographic disparities."Affordability is another key focus area. Strategic partnerships and health insurance collaborations aimed at boosting preventive healthcare can make services financially viable for a broader segment of the population."Our use of AI-driven risk stratification and data-led insights ensures that every individual receives personalised, timely advice. This reduces the need for repeat scans and unnecessary tests," the expert critical area that needs urgent attention is women's health, particularly after menopause (the period that marks the end of one's menstruation cycle).advertisement"Post-menopausal women face a surge in health risks like diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease. For this, age-appropriate, gender-sensitive screening programs, regular bone density scans, blood sugar tests, and liver function assessments are necessary, said Dr. Reddy. Another critical area that needs urgent attention is women's health, particularly after menopause. () "Empowering women through education and ensuring affordable care models are key to addressing these issues," she health and sleep disorders, often overlooked, are emerging as major contributors to poor health. Dr. Reddy suggested simple solutions that can be embedded into the current healthcare system without overburdening it. "Brief questionnaires during preventive check-ups and the use of telemedicine for follow-ups can help flag early issues without stretching resources," she message is clear: many serious health problems can be prevented if people prioritise regular health check-ups and early intervention. A shift in mindset, from treating illness to preventing it, is crucial to building a healthier India, underscored Dr. Reel
