Noida: Nearly 13,000 patients have been screened so far in five Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Mela (MJAM) held every Sunday since January 10. Out of the 12,888 patients, 20% (2,589) patients have been detected with skin disease followed by 18% (2,342)patients with respiratory disorders, 7% (1,242)with gastro problems and 4% (495) with diabetes. Air pollution and cold weather are the main reasons cited for the increasing number of patients suffering from skin and respiratory disorders.
Meanwhile, 12 children have been detected with malnutrition, 470 people have been detected with hypertension, 301 with liver-related problems, 182 with anaemia, two with cancer and 16 with Hepatitis B.
“The Jan Arogya Mela could not be organised last year post-February due to Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, it was started this year from January 10. So far, we have screened 12,888 people in the district over five Sundays across 33 PHCs which include 15 in urban and 18 in rural areas. Maximum patients were detected with skin related problems while at second number were patients with respiratory disorders at 18%. Mostly these cases have been related to air pollution and cold weather as people in rural areas are more exposed to extreme weather conditions with open fields etc.,” said Dr Rajesh Sharma, the district malaria officer (DMO) handling the fair.
Sharma adds that due guidelines and medication have been provided to those detected with skin and respiratory disorders such as moisturizing the skin with oil or lotion and avoiding dust and polluted air.
“Many who are smokers have been given counselling while asthmatic patients have been strictly directed to ensure protection from smoke and dust,” he said.
While 2,002 people were examined at Covid help desks set up for the purpose, 1,299 people were tested with rapid antigen tests. None came positive.