Arthritis takes away livelihood for rural poor in Mahabubnagar

The rising menace of arthritis among poor labourers and farmers in Mahabubnagar district has become a cause of concern; these rural folk have lost their livelihood owing to the disease.

The report came to light at a health camp organised at SVS Medical College in Mahbabnagar as part of ‘World Arthritis Day’.

According to Chavan Jai Krishna, Professor of Orthopaedics at SVS Medical College, this is a common disease and is regarded as a degenerative one usually observed in old people.

“However, due to sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, obesity and bad food habits, this disease is now seen even among the young population,” he said.

“However in villages, farmers, labourers in rice mills and building construction are also falling prey to it. Although, this may not be visible or may not show bad impact when they are young, but definitely its impact is seen once they crosse 50 years,” opined the Professor.

The mega health camp had over 2,500 labourers who attuned from villages like Marikal, Makthal, Timmajipeta, Erlapally, and Ranga Reddy gudem; they received free consultation and medicines from doctors.

“We organise such medical camps on all major occasions to create awareness. Arthritis is so badly affecting these people and they need to know.

We are offering free diagnosis and surgery at SVS Medical College,” said KJ Reddy, Medical Director of the College.

Health Minister Dr C Laxma Reddy, MLA Srinivas Goud and other doctors were present on the occasion.