Hypertension study: Government hospitals to check BP of all patients

GURGAON: Patients visiting government hospitals in Haryana will now have their blood pressure checked. The decision was made to collect data and conduct study on hypertension in the state. The details will help the health department compile more localised data on health issues of people.

The health department has ordered that every patient at government hospitals in all 22 districts of Haryana, who are above 30 years in age, should be checked for blood pressure. The tests will be conducted irrespective of what ailments they suffer from. In Gurgaon, doctors tested blood pressure of over 2,000 people on Thursday. Earlier, the test was conducted only on those patients in whose case doctors felt it was necessary.

The blood pressure checks started on Thursday, and will be conducted for a month till November 25. Each establishment will have to compile a daily report and send it to the health department during this period.

The patients will be divided into three categories- normal, high and low blood pressure. The reports will be mentioned in the OPD card along with address detailss.

The aim of the study is to understand health concerns of the people in the state.

It will also provide data for further research in the health sector.

So far, the health department has to rely on national or international data, which sometimes vary from local lifestyles and environment.

“We have set up a separate counter for blood pressure tests at the hospital. Even those who come in for non-serious ailments, such as dental or eye check-ups, will be tested for blood pressure. The aim is to maintain a health record,” said Dr Pradeep Sharma, acting principal medical officer.