 Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 4: To make people aware about cardiovascular diseases and cardiac ailments in rural areas Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr Sushil Sharma held a day long cardiac awareness cum health check up camp at Village Pandori Brahmana block Bishnah Jammu where people from all walks of life were educated to follow cardiac friendly lifestyle and adopt environmental friendly approach to decrease the morbidity and mortality and improve quality of life.
While interacting with the people Dr Sushil Stated that worsening cardiovascular health in rural India is a silent epidemic demanding urgent attention. It reflects not just a medical issue but a deep socio-economic imbalance. If the rural heart continues to falter, the entire nation's health and productivity are at risk. To preserve the vitality of India's villages, healthcare must be reimagined-not just in terms of infrastructure. India, a nation characterized by vibrant cultures and sprawling landscapes, is undergoing a rapid epidemiological transition. Once dominated by communicable diseases, the country now grapples with a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). While urban areas have long been the focus of healthcare interventions, rural India-home to nearly 65% of the population-is now witnessing a silent and deadly shift.
He elaborated that historically, rural India had lower rates of CVDs, owing largely to active lifestyles and traditional diets. However, this advantage is eroding fast. Studies now reveal that rural populations are catching up with, and in some cases surpassing, urban areas in CVD prevalence. The reasons are multifaceted: dietary transitions involving high-fat, high-sugar processed foods; decreasing physical activity due to mechanization; increasing tobacco and alcohol use; and rising stress levels due to changing economic and social dynamics. Compounding the problem is the lack of awareness about cardiovascular health. Many rural residents do not recognize symptoms of heart disease or understand the importance of regular health check-ups. Preventive care is almost nonexistent, and the first sign of a heart condition is often a fatal event.
He added that Poverty, illiteracy, and cultural beliefs further hinder effective cardiovascular care in rural regions. Many people prioritize immediate economic survival over long-term health. For instance, men, often the primary breadwinners, may delay or avoid seeking medical attention for symptoms of heart disease. Women, on the other hand, are frequently under diagnosed or ignored due to gender biases in healthcare access. Traditional beliefs also play a role. Home remedies or consultations with local healers are still common, and while they hold cultural significance, they often delay timely medical intervention. Addressing the cardiovascular crisis in rural India requires a multi-pronged approach. First, there must be a concerted effort to strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure through government investment and public-private partnerships. Mobile clinics, telemedicine, and community health workers can play vital roles in expanding access. Second, widespread awareness campaigns in local languages are essential to educate the rural population about risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early detection. School-based interventions and village health committees can be effective in spreading information and encouraging lifestyle changes. Third, policies must be tailored to ensure affordability and accessibility of medicines and treatments for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, He said
Management Committee of the Brahman Mahasabha Rakesh Pant, Tarsem Sharma, Amandeep Bhagat, Rakesh Sharma, Balwinder Sharma ,Dev Raj Sharma and Arjun Sharma appreciated the efforts of Dr Sushil and his team for accepting their request and conduct cardiac awareness cum health check up in their area and shows their heartfelt gratitude.
Others who were part of this camp includes Dr Venkatesh Yellupu and Dr Dhaneshwer Kapoor. Paramedics and volunteers includes Raghav Rajput, Ranjeet Singh, Raj Kumar, Shubham Sharma, Vikas Kumar, Maninder Singh, Arun Singh, Rohit Nayyar, Makhan Sharma, Rajinder Singh, Paramveer Singh, Kartik Sharma and Nirvair Singh Bali. |
