High blood pressure, diabetes go untreated

The figures were announced by Deputy Minister of Health Pham Le Tuan at an event
held recently Hanoi.

Only 13.6 percent of people with high blood pressure were receiving treatment
at local health clinics, while the figure was 29 percent for those with
diabetes, Tuan said.

There are 12 million people who suffer from high blood pressure in ,
accounting for 13 percent of the total population; while 3.5 million people
have diabetes, accounting for 6 percent.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, puts extra strain on the blood
vessels and major organs such as the heart, brain and kidneys.

Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke
and lower limb amputation.

According to medical experts, a lack of regular check-ups was to blame for the
number of people with hypertension or diabetes who have not been diagnosed.

Tuan also said that local-level health clinics had failed to provide regular
screenings for the illnesses.

In response to the situation, the ministry issued Decision No 2559/QD-BYT in
late April to improve treatment for people with hypertension and diabetes by
organising training courses for doctors and medical staff at central-level
hospitals.

After finishing the training courses, doctors and medical staff would be
dispatched to over 11,000 at commune and ward levels throughout
the country to instruct local staff how to diagnose the problems, the ministry
said.

Luong Ngoc Khue, head of the Health Ministry’s Medical Examination and
Treatment Department, said the training would focus on early detection and
treatment, as well as how to encourage people to follow a strict health regime.

According to doctors, high blood pressure could be avoided through a healthy
lifestyle. This means a healthy diet, regular exercise, limiting alcohol, not
smoking and managing stress.

People with existing should follow their treatment plans
carefully.-VNS/VNA