Call to increase awareness of common diseases

Women labourers should be made aware of diseases which commonly affect them without major symptoms.

Dr Sarita Kapoor, a gynaecologist and obstetrician who has been conducting check-ups on women labourers as part of a campaign organised by the Indian Association Ladies Wing, said most women are unaware that they suffer from high blood pressure.

"So far, three medical camps have been held. We do tests like pap smear, random blood sugar, BP readings, breast examination and pelvic examination," she said.

"During our last camp a week back, check-ups were conducted on 50 women of which 15 per cent were diagnosed with high blood pressure. Unfortunately these women were not even aware of their health problems."

Dr Sarita said there were also cases of diabetes.

"I slowly explained to them the symptoms. A couple of them even came with fungal infections. Then there were some who had undergone a hysterectomy and they were suffering from fibroids," she said.

According to Dr Sarita, most of these women fall in the age group of 30 to 45 years. The check-ups were offered free of charge.

"The Dubai Indian Association Ladies Wing is doing a good job and have really helped a lot of women in sorting out their medical problems. Contact numbers and other data of women undertaking the medical check-ups in the camp are collected so that we could follow up their case," she said.

"There should be much more awareness and facts should be explained to people in laymen's terms. I suggest that next time, if possible, we should conduct a slide presentation on the various health problems which may affect them," she said.

Dr Sarita said it would not surprise her to learn that most of these women could not afford to buy the medicine prescribed to them.

"I write them a prescription but who knows whether they will buy it or not? Medicine is very expensive," she said.