Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited and OMRON Healthcare India have partnered to combat hypertension ignorance among young adults in India through their “Take Charge @18” initiative. The collaboration aims to raise awareness about the importance of measuring blood pressure from the age of 18.
Recognizing the lack of guidelines on when to start blood pressure screening, Glenmark engaged with 94 cardiologists across India, resulting in a consensus that 18 is the age to initiate screening. This expert consensus statement was published in the Journal of the Association of Physicians of India in 2020.
The “Take Charge @18” initiative includes the incorporation of an inlay card into every OMRON Blood Pressure monitor sold in India, conveying the significance of blood pressure screening. The message encourages patients and caregivers to sensitize at least four family members aged 18 or above to monitor their blood pressure regularly.
Alok Malik, Executive Vice President & Head of India Formulations at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, expressed the commitment to raise awareness about hypertension and blood pressure screening, considering the rise in hypertension cases among young adults in India.
Tetsuya Yamada, Managing Director of OMRON Healthcare India, highlighted their vision of “Going for Zero” and the importance of home blood pressure monitoring in preventive healthcare to reduce hypertension-led diseases.
The “Take Charge @18” initiative aims to reach around 92,000 healthcare professionals (HCPs) and create awareness among ten crore Indians. Glenmark and OMRON’s joint efforts underscore their dedication to fostering a healthier society and reducing hypertension-related events.
Hypertension prevalence has witnessed a rise in India, particularly among young adults. A cross-sectional study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research revealed a prevalence of 35.5% for people in the age group of 20+ compared to 29.8% in 2014.
The “Take Charge @18” initiative has already achieved milestones, including education for HCPs, youth awareness programs, and hypertension awareness rallies across India. Through digital and media interventions, the initiative has reached out to millions, emphasizing the importance of blood pressure screening and comprehensive hypertension management.
By promoting blood pressure monitoring, the “Take Charge @18” initiative aims to have a long-term impact on the overall health of individuals, effectively managing and preventing cardiovascular events in the future.
