Seventy-year-old Gomathi Gopalakrishnan from Purakkad in Alappuzha first sought medical treatment for hypertension a few years ago. Initially inconsistent with her treatment, Ms. Gopalakrishnan managed to bring her high blood pressure under control a few months ago by adopting a healthier lifestyle and staying committed to treatment plans. Her dedication not only led to significant health improvements but also earned her a two-gram gold biscuit.
This recognition came through ‘Patharamattu Arogyam‘, a unique reward programme launched by the Government Family Health Centre (FHC), Purakkad, to motivate patients to manage lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension effectively. On New Year’s Day 2025, the FHC also awarded a one-gram gold coin to Rajendran K. and a silver biscuit to Lakshmikutty who similarly maintain their health through consistent efforts.
The winners were selected through a draw of lots from a pool of 178 individuals who successfully kept their diabetes and blood pressure levels under control for three consecutive months. The gold and silver rewards were sponsored by the medical staff, other employees and ASHA workers at the FHC. The initiative has been well-received and the FHC plans to continue the reward programme.
“I am very happy that my blood pressure is now normal. The ‘Patharamattu Arogyam’ programme was a huge motivation and helped me understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and adhering to prescribed medications,” says Ms. Gopalakrishnan.
The programme reflects the FHC’s proactive approach to addressing the growing prevalence of lifestyle diseases. “We have around 1,750 patients with diabetes and hypertension. We launched the reward programme to inspire patients to adopt healthier lifestyles and remain committed to their treatment plans. Keeping diabetes and blood pressure under control through regular tests and medications helps prevent complications like stroke, heart attack and kidney disease,” says Dr. Shibu Sukumaran, medical officer, FHC, Purakkad.
While the gold/silver gifts are awarded annually to people who consistently manage their lifestyle diseases over an extended period, the FHC also provides complimentary prizes such as kitchen utensils to patients who successfully bring elevated diabetes/ blood pressure levels back to normal. Additionally, it has introduced a digital progress card to monitor and record each patient’s diabetes and blood pressure levels.
Published – January 04, 2025 06:42 pm IST
