Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Urban Poor With NCDs Lack Regular Check-Ups: HHF Survey
A recent survey by the Helping Hand Foundation found that only about 27% of urban poor people with long-term illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure go for regular check-ups.
Many face problems like not having enough money, trouble getting to the doctor, and not knowing the right information.
More than a third of people rarely or never go for follow-up care.
Half of the people don't finish their medicine as prescribed, and many feel stressed or anxious.
Some even think treatment isn't necessary.
Not many eat healthy foods or exercise regularly.
The foundation is trying to help by offering free consultations, medicines, and advice on healthy living to thousands of people.
Only 27.1% of urban poor individuals with chronic illnesses undergo regular check-ups, while 36.2% rarely or never seek follow-up care.
Significant challenges include financial constraints, transportation issues, misinformation, and lifestyle risks.
Low adherence to medical treatment, with only 50.3% of patients completing prescribed medication courses.
Mental health concerns are widespread, with more than two-thirds reporting stress or anxiety.
HHF’s primary care centres and NCD sub-centres provide free consultations, medicines, lifestyle counselling, and regular monitoring to 10,400 patients, over 60% of whom are aged above 45.
- Who
- Urban poor individuals with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Hyderabad
- What
- A survey conducted by Helping Hand Foundation (HHF) highlighting the challenges faced by urban poor with NCDs
- When
- The survey was conducted recently, with the report published in the current news cycle
- Where
- Hyderabad, India
- Why
- To understand the barriers to regular check-ups and treatment adherence among urban poor with NCDs
- Percentage of individuals with chronic illnesses undergoing regular check-ups
- 27.1%
- Percentage of individuals rarely or never seeking follow-up care
- 36.2%
- Percentage of patients completing prescribed medication courses
- 50.3%
- Percentage of respondents reporting stress or anxiety
- More than two-thirds
- Percentage of respondents believing treatment is unnecessary
- 13%
- Percentage of respondents consuming fruits and vegetables daily
- 12.4%
- Percentage of respondents not engaging in any physical activity
- 40.1%
- Percentage of respondents with at least one chronic condition
- Nearly 70%
- Percentage of respondents not on any treatment
- 29.9%
- Number of patients receiving free consultations and medicines at HHF’s primary care centres
- 10,400