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The proposal comes on the back of Nimhans, in collaboration with the health department, training doctors from 122 PHCs in three districts to treat neurological diseases. The initiative was piloted by Niti Aayog.
Most neurological disorders in India tend to be brushed under the carpet notwithstanding their wide prevalence. Stigma and cultural beliefs prevent people from seeking timely treatment although they battle crippling livelihood issues as their condition deteriorates. The dearth of superspecialists to treat neurological disorders in the hinterlands has not helped improve the situation. Nimhans’ proposal to train health professionals at the grassroots to treat people with neurological disorders could not have come at a better time. The government must grab the offer and set an example for the rest of the country.
These doctors will receive certificates testifying to their training on Friday (December 9) at ‘Reflection to Action’a programme scheduled to be held as part of Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (KaBHI) at Nimhans.
Nimhans and the health department have now proposed that the government roll out the programme in all districts. Dr Pratima Murthy, director, Nimhans, said the proposal was sent two daysago. She said PHCs can provide basic care and doctors can refer patients to brain health clinics in district hospitals or Nimhans for tertiary support.
Dr Murthy said the programme was conceived to tackle the huge burden of neurological disorders, ranging from dementia and stroke to head injuries. NITI Aayog suggested a pilot in Karnataka, following which Ka-BHI was launched in January.
PHCs in Bangalore Urban, Chikkaballapur, and Kolar districts were picked for the programme. Dr Murthy said eventually ASHA and community health workers will also be trained to identify people for treatment. “These workers will identify patients at health and wellness centres and homes. A longterm goal is to look at homebased care,” she said.
As reported by TOI, cricketer Robin Uthappa was named brand ambassador of Ka-BHI and Sumedha Soukhya, a weekly programme, was broadcast on All India Radio to reach out to people in remote areas.
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