Hyderabad-based healthcare NGO, Helping Hand Foundation (HHF), recently released its annual performance report for 2024, shedding light on the prevalence of lifestyle diseases in urban and peri-urban settlements in Hyderabad. According to the report, one in three households in these areas has at least one member suffering from diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), cancer, or stroke.
The report also highlighted a concerning surge in cancer cases, particularly oral cancer among young adults in the Old City. In 2024 alone, HHF received over 300 financial assistance requests for cancer treatment, with 25% of cases involving oral cancer. Additionally, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise in rural areas, with 22% of the population in 17 villages of Maheshwaram suffering from diabetes or hypertension.
The NGO’s financial report for 2024 revealed gross receipts of ₹24 crore, which enabled HHF to bridge health and social inequities in Hyderabad. Through various initiatives, including help desks in government hospitals, the foundation facilitated treatment for thousands of patients, saving them an estimated ₹44 crore in out-of-pocket medical expenses.
HHF also operates Primary Health Centres in urban slums, providing free treatment to over 5.52 lakh patients in 2024. The foundation’s school health programme identified high levels of malnutrition among children in urban slum settlements, with alarming rates of stunting, wasting, and anaemia.
Overall, HHF’s efforts have helped save over ₹100 crore in medical expenses for marginalized communities, underscoring the organization’s commitment to bridging the gap in healthcare access and addressing the growing burden of lifestyle diseases in the region.
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