Medically Aware and Responsible Citizens of Hyderabad (MARCH) has proposed a set of ethical guidelines that hospitals and nursing homes should follow to improve the healthcare system. The list of these guidelines were sent to about 512 hospitals and nursing homes in and around Hyderabad seeking their feedback. And 50 hospitals have communicated that they are following the ethical guidelines, Dr PM Bhargava, president of MARCH said.

MARCH observed that spending on drugs has been increased in the US by 11 per cent, which indicates deterioration of health standards in that country. Other reasons being drugs sold at high prices and launch of expensive drugs, particularly, in the oncology segment and age related disorders.

In the recent meeting of MARCH the members noted and emphasised that there is a great need for creating awareness and promoting self-examination programme to detect breast cancer in women.

In UK, it is found that nurse based breast clinics have been effective where breast cancer patients have benefited a lot. In India, such facilities should be extended to both urban and rural areas. Communication platforms, which can help in reaching out women in villages, need to be looked out.

MARCH also stressed the need for preventing falls of elder people. It is found that those beyond 65 years are prone to 'falls' for various reasons. Elder people and their family members should try to create a safe living place. To create awareness in this regard, old age homes should be advised to instruct elderly on what should be done and what not, members pointed out.