Chennai: Following the launch of Amma master health check-up centre in March 2019 at Tamilnadu Government Multi Super Specialty Hospital, Omandurar, official data states that 9,546 people have been screened, with the male and female ratio standing at 5,131:4,415.
Hospital’s Resident Medical Officer, Dr Uma Maheshwari, said, “The scheme has created awareness among people that even from villages and towns like Perambalur, Salem, Villupuram, Dharmapuri and Pudukottai they visit the institution for master check-up, indicating that people are beginning to be conscious of their health.”
She further stated that the hospital received 45 people hailing from Assam, West Bengal and Bangladesh who had come to the city for formal skill training.
Among the screening, the statistics showed up 34 new breast cancer, four new ovarian cancer, two liver cancer, seven prostate cancer and 28 coronary artery disease in which by-pass surgery has been performed for four cases.
“Additionally, newly-detected diabetes and hypertension are 900 and 700, respectively, among the screened patients, were high that calls for serious lifestyle modification,” she added.
Citing an example, the RMO added, “A 54-year-old woman had come for routine check-up and was diagnosed of endometrial thickening and the biopsy declared of endometrial cancer. Although she is in her menopausal stage, the condition cannot be ignored, the patient has been taking treatment at Government Kasturba Gandhi Hospital for Women and Children and is under radiotherapy currently after undergoing a surgery.”
Similarly, in another male patient who had come with abdominal dystension and dysnea, the ultrasound report showed that there was minimal fluid collection in abdomen and pleural effusion. He had grade-2 prostomegaly and the reports stated that he had liver and prostate cancer. “Such conditions are unusual,” she added.
Explaining the importance of being hale and healthy, Uma Maheshwari said, “Self-care is crucial and people cannot ignore that at any cost. When regular screening is done and any malfunction is identified at the early stage, the prognosis will also be good. Undergoing a master health check-up once a year is important.”
