Biocon Foundation, the CSR arm of Biocon Ltd. has launched an integrated program for screening of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) for Pourakarmikas, the sanitation staff of  Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Around 3000 Pourakarmikas will be screened over four months from areas in BBMP West Zone. The program aims at controlling NCDs including diabetes, hypertension and oral, breast and cervical cancers, by increasing awareness about lifestyle modifications and providing training in self-breast and oral examination.

In her message, Smt. Gangambike Mallikarjun, Honourable Mayor of Bengaluru said, “There is an increase in the incidence of non-communicable diseases in Karnataka. At BBMP, we are committed to the health of our Pourakarmikas. Through this program, we will be focussing on improving their health condition with adequate health education, early diagnosis and treatment. We are glad to be associated with Biocon Foundation, KLES Institute of Dental Sciences and Bangalore Political Action Committee (BPAC) for this program.”

In her communique, Dr Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Managing Trustee, Biocon Foundation said, “We appreciate the sincere efforts of our Pourakarmikas to alleviate the burden of solid waste management on a daily basis, to keep our city clean.  Biocon Foundation has undertaken the NCD screening to improve the health of these sanitation workers by leveraging technology for continuum of care.”

“Cancer is emerging as one of the major health concerns in Karnataka between the age group of 35 and 65 years, affecting individuals at their productive peak. The awareness amongst Pourakarmikas regarding signs and symptoms of cancers is minimal and being involved in the service of people, they deserve to get attention to their own health.” said Dr. C Ramachandra, Director, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology.

A pilot screening program was conducted by Biocon Foundation in December 2018 for 89 Pourakarmikas from Shankarmutt ward. This pilot enabled the roll out of the program on a larger scale.

NCDs are the result of an interplay of non-modifiable as well as modifiable individual, metabolic and environmental factors. From screening programs in work place settings it was found that attendees of the clinics are more receptive to behaviour change when they come from similar work environments.

Biocon Foundation has developed a scalable model for risk surveillance as well as screening of NCDs. The “Mobile Health” (mHealth) platform connects frontline healthcare providers with remote specialists.