GUNTUR: Neurologists and members of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), along with Red Cross, organized around 200 blood pressure (BP) checking camps in Guntur city on Friday, to celebrate World Stroke Day.

Over 10,000 individuals were screened for BP in these special camps in a single day. About 40% of those screened were found to have their BP on the higher side.

Dr P Vijaya, national executive committee member of the Indian Stroke Association (ISA) and director of Lalitha Super Specialty hospitals in Guntur, said that they are fortunate as they will be saving several lives, thanks to the detection. She mentioned that around 10% of the turnout were screened for the first time. The camps were organized under the guidance of ISA.

District in-charge minister, Cherukuvada Sri Ranganatha Raju, lauded the ISA initiative, led by neurologist Dr P Vijaya, to organize the free camps. The minister also got his BP checked at the special camp.

The minister also urged the medical professionals to work towards building a healthy nation by extending their support to the poor. 

Dr Vijaya told media that they have organized special awareness camps all through October. She urged the youth to avoid drugs, liquor and smoking to stay healthy.

She added that excellent drugs were available for the treatment of stroke but prevention would always be better. She further stated that a healthy lifestyle, diet and daily physical activity will keep stroke away.

She said that over 80 hospitals in association with IMA had organized the special BP screening camps, adding that they have also organized camps at religious places with the help of Red Crossvolunteers. She thanked the doctors of almost all the hospitals in the city for their support.

Joint collectors AS Dinesh Kumar and Rajakumari, Red cross chairman Vadlamani Ravi, and vice-chairman P Ramachandra Raju, were also present.

Source: The Times of India