Inadequate attention to human health conditions that can be treated or prevented is adversely affecting the state of socio-economic health of Assam, according to a study released on the occasion of ‘Patient Safety Day’, on December 9, 2014 in Guwahati. The study, presented to the media by Guwahati-based multi-specialty hospital chain, GNRC Hospitals, was prepared by compiling and analysing data from records of over 25 years maintained by GNRC and various other publicly available sources.

Dr. Nomal Chandra Borah, chairman-cum-managing director and eminent neurologist, GNRC, says, “Even 67 years after independence, we are yet to sufficiently address the suffering of our people, when it comes to healthcare. We all know that ‘health is wealth’. The corollary is that lack of health adversely affects not only the population’s physical well-being but also its mental, social and economic well-being. A healthy population is also one that is energetic, one that contributes to and drives the economy. So, as conscionable members of society, it is our responsibility to relentlessly endeavour to progress in the direction of ‘Health for All, Smiles for All’. We, at GNRC, have adopted this as our guiding principle.”

According to the study, the overall percentage of epilepsy cases in Assam that do not receive appropriate medical treatment exceeds 99 per cent, with Hailakandi district recording the highest rate of non-treatment at 99.79 per cent, while Kamrup district recorded the lowest rate of non-treatment at 96.68 per cent. The study also reported that every year, 54,890 (estimated) people in Assam suffer stroke; 16,43,300 people are afflicted by Coronary Artery Disease and 56,13,251 people fall victim to Hypertension. On trauma, GNRC’s study quoted a National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report which stated that with 50.4 per cent deaths in Assam caused by road accidents, the state figures are far higher than the national average of 36.4 per cent for 2013.

Requesting the media to support the healthcare providers’ mission, Dr. Borah stated that the primary cause of lack of treatment or inadequate attention to prevention was lack of awareness. “Today, early intervention through modern medicine and proper lifestyle management can prevent or address the overwhelming majority of cases of conditions such as epilepsy, coronary artery disease, hypertension and trauma incidents. Yet, they happen and result in death or crippling of many members of society who would otherwise be healthy individuals contributing to the welfare and progress of society. This is simply because of the ignorance of society. Only media can help us take this message of preventive healthcare and early intervention to the masses, and thereby serve the cause of society-building and nation-building,” Dr. Borah said. “I request media to support us to fulfill the objective of “Health for All, Smiles for All,” he concluded.