Chennai: The Covid-19 pandemic has created disruption and placed a huge strain on healthcare systems worldwide including India. It is expected to uncover and highlight one of the biggest public health problems that affect India- the problem of medication non-adherence.
The pandemic has highlighted the higher risks from the virus to those who are termed to have ‘co-morbidities’. Principally these have included chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, other heart related issues, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD), chronic kidney disease etc.
It has been highlighted that Covid-19 can be best combated with a stronger immunity system. However, chronic diseases leave patients more vulnerable to infections. Issues of medication non-adherence are often observed in patients having such chronic illnesses.
Medication non-adherence is the intentional or unwitting failure to take medications as prescribed. By not following the prescriber’s orders correctly, the patient will experience decreased effectiveness of treatment which can lead to the worsening of their condition. This is a world-wide public health problem and is emerging as one in India too.
Data shows that chronic illnesses are now the largest contributors to deaths in India. Medication non ddherence also leads to increased risks and expenses from hospitalization and other health care costs.
Relex Health, a healthcare start-up, recently announced a medication therapy management program in India to systematically address the serious public health problem of medication non-adherence. The program also helps improve the general condition and quality of life of individuals with chronic illnesses.
It is a home-service model designed for Indian conditions that plays an important role in controlling chronic conditions, treating temporary conditions, and overall long-term health and well-being.