“Transforming Health: The Rewarding Journey of Lifestyle Disease Management at the Family Health Centre”

Purakkad grama panchayat health standing committee chairman V.S. Jinuraj presenting a gold biscuit to Gomathi Gopalakrishnan as part of a reward scheme for unwell patients who embraced healthier lifestyles.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Seventy-year-old Gomathi Gopalakrishnan hailing from Purakkad in Alappuzha initially sought medical attention for hypertension several years back. Initially erratic with her treatment, Ms. Gopalakrishnan succeeded in regulating her high blood pressure a few months prior by adopting a more wholesome lifestyle and committing to treatment plans. Her perseverance resulted not only in considerable health enhancements but also earned her a two-gram gold biscuit.

This acknowledgment was through ‘Patharamattu Arogyam‘, a distinct reward initiative launched by the Government Family Health Centre (FHC), Purakkad, to encourage patients to effectively manage lifestyle illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. On January 1, 2025, the FHC additionally awarded a one-gram gold coin to Rajendran K. and a silver biscuit to Lakshmikutty, who also maintain their health through steady efforts.

The recipients were chosen through a lottery from a group of 178 individuals who successfully maintained their diabetes and blood pressure levels within limits for three successive months. The gold and silver rewards were funded by the medical personnel, other staff, and ASHA workers at the FHC. The initiative has been positively received, and the FHC intends to continue the reward initiative.

“I am extremely pleased that my blood pressure is now normal. The ‘Patharamattu Arogyam’ programme served as a major incentive and helped me grasp the significance of upholding a healthy lifestyle and adhering to prescribed medications,” remarks Ms. Gopalakrishnan.

The initiative represents the FHC’s proactive strategy to tackle the increasing incidence of lifestyle diseases. “We have approximately 1,750 patients grappling with diabetes and hypertension. We initiated the reward programme to motivate patients to embrace healthier lifestyles and remain dedicated to their treatment plans. Keeping diabetes and blood pressure in check through regular assessments and medications aids in avoiding complications like strokes, heart attacks, and kidney ailments,” states Dr. Shibu Sukumaran, medical officer, FHC, Purakkad.

While the gold/silver accolades are presented annually to individuals who consistently manage their lifestyle diseases over an extended duration, the FHC also offers complimentary prizes such as kitchen tools to patients who successfully normalize elevated diabetes/blood pressure levels. Additionally, it has launched a digital progress card to track and document each patient’s diabetes and blood pressure statistics.