Hyderabad: A study by the Max Institute of Healthcare Management at the Indian School of Business (ISB) has identified critical gaps in hypertension diagnosis and management by private healthcare providers, particularly in rural and peri-urban India. The findings underscore the need for a more standardised and structured healthcare approach to hypertension, a chronic condition affecting over 220 million Indians and the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases.
The study, titled ‘Private Provider Practices and Incentives for Hypertension Management in Rural and Peri-Urban Telangana, India – A Qualitative Study,’ was published in BMC Health Services Research, a peer-reviewed journal. It involved interviews with 46 primary healthcare professionals and patients across three districts of Telangana: Warangal Urban, Karimnagar, and Sircilla.
Key findings point to inconsistent diagnostic practices, improper follow-up mechanisms, inadequate record-keeping, which hinder effective hypertension management. It also revealed a lack of adherence to routine opportunistic screening protocols, as private practitioners measure BP only when patients exhibit symptoms.
“Hypertension is often considered a health issue primarily affecting affluent urban populations, but its prevalence is rising among lower-income groups in rural and peri-urban areas, where access to formal healthcare is limited,” said Sarang Deo, executive director of Max Institute of Healthcare Management and co-author of the study. Researchers have recommended compliance with standardised screening protocols and patient education for enhanced self-management.
The study suggests innovative financing models such as insurance or community health funds to lessen the economic burden on patients by minimising out-of-pocket expenditure
