Kolkata: Most private hospitals in the city have seen a 10% rise in health check-ups during the pre-puja period (Aug-Sept) compared to the corresponding period last year. These check-ups have also indicated increased cases of people detected with cardiac issues and diabetes compared to the previous years.
Besides,cholesterol, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and ovarian cysts have also been frequently detected.
Senior citizens form the largest chunk of those who opted for such check-ups. Middle-aged people (in the 45-55 age group) also got tested in a larger number and many were diagnosed with diseases similar to the elderly group.
Cardiac ailments, especially coronary artery disease, have been most commonly detected across hospitals. This has been followed by diabetes, COPD, abnormal lipid profiles, fatty liver and hypertension.
Desun Hospitalhas also detected pneumonia and stroke among those undergoing tests. “We also had over 5,000 schoolchildren undergoing tests over the last two months with dental and eye problems topping the list of their ailments,” said the hospital’s director, Shaoli Dutta.
Charnock Hospital conducted 22 general health check-ups in the last two months. “These were executive health check-up packages and heart care packages. The most frequently detected were abnormalities in lipid profile levels, diabetes and cardiac issues related to coronary artery blockages,” said Charnock Hospital MD, Prashant Sharma.
At BP Poddar Hospital,around 30% patients were detected with some underlying health problems. “In the last 15 days, we have diagnosed 41 with early-stage coronary artery disease and 69 were diagnosed with comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia. PCOS or uterine cysts were detected in 24 patients while incidental findings like gall bladder and kidney stones were seen in 14 and six patients respectively,” said group advisor, Supriyo Chakrabarty.
In recent years, awareness about the importance of health screening tests had surged, said Fortis Hospital cardio-thoracic surgeon KM Mandana, adding tests are recommended annually for all above 35.
Narayana Health hospitals – including RN Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences – conducted over 2,500 tests in the last two months. The tests hinted at the growing awareness of lifestyle-related health risks, said Narayana COO R Venkatesh.
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