Hypertension, TB, Dengue cases spike in Delhi: Survey

According to a survey conducted by a NGO, the number of cases of hypertension, tuberculosis and diarrhoea have increased to a greater extent in Delhi. The NGO Praja Foundation covered 24,301 households in the capital of India and showed results that are a major source of concern. 

The report said that cases of hypertension have actually escalated from 3,22,510 in 2015 to 3,61,443 in 2016. The cases for diarrhoea have seen a spike from 5,64,416 in 2015 to 6,22,480 in 2016. It is diarrhoea which has affected the maximum people in the city. 

As a matter of fact, 41 percent of the people who died from from the disease were below the age of four. The survey also revealed that at least ten people are dying in the city every day because of tuberculosis. The number of dengue cases are on the rise in Delhi in the monsoon season with as many as 30 new cases being reported last week. 

Zonal wise distribution of the collected data showed some shocking facts. During 2014 to 2016, Rohini turned out to be a breeding ground for the mosquitoes as it contributed to 26% of the dengue cases. Rural Narela and Civil Lines recorded the highest number of diarrhoea and malaria cases, the figure for them stand at 22% and 26% respectively. 

The survey was conducted on a sample of 24,000 households and out of them only 24% of the people used government hospitals and dispensaries. This is the case despite the fact that the Delhi government has established 100 mohalla clinics in the city and has plans to open more so as to bring the public into the domain of public health care. 

The report also revealed that only 15% of the families in the city had at least one member who availed some kind of health insurance to pay for the treatment. 

Indeed, the facts are disturbing and one must take all precautions to combat the diseases.