To mark World Osteoporosis Day, October 20, Star Health and Allied Insurance, India’s first standalone health insurer, has launched a pan-India campaign to spread awareness about osteoporosis.
The campaign this year targets women, who account for 69 percent of the total cases of osteoporosis in India. The objective of the campaign is to create awareness about the disease while informing on early diagnosis and prevention.
Free bone scans were conducted as part of this program on October 19, 2024, in over 46 cities across the nation by Star Health. Major cities participating in the campaign included Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. The wellness camps also included a part on nutritional advice and consultations with health professionals. And how to prevent and manage osteoporosis.
Anand Roy, MD & CEO of Star Health, added, “Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease, affecting 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50. Additionally, we are targeting the construction of an early detection tool and educating people on how to manage their bones. Free bone scanning and wellness camps will ensure a lesser long-term impact of the disease and improvement in the quality of life of people at risk.”
Osteoporosis: An Emerging Epidemic in India
Osteoporosis is a disease marked by the progressive reduction in the density and strength of bones. Making them more liable to fracture with minor trauma. The disease is often asymptomatic and, hence, usually remains undiagnosed, especially in women, who are more prone to the condition owing to hormonal influences of aging. Since the disease can remain asymptomatic, by the time symptoms start appearing. There will be long-lasting disability or even mortality from fractures.
Star Health has also received a total of 1,566 claims for osteoporosis from FY 2015 to H1-FY 2025, of which the majority have been women. These are tendencies that significantly indicate a greater need for public awareness. And prevention among women, who are the most affected by the disease.
Campaign Highlights
- Free bone scans in over 46 cities on October 19, including major metros such as Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore.
-50 health camps to offer nutrition counseling and medical consultations
-Emphasis on women’s health as Star Health had processed 69 percent of the osteoporosis cases
-‘Step up for bone health’ through regular exercises, a bone-friendly diet, and healthy lifestyle habits
-Star Health Campaign Aims to increase awareness about Osteoporosis and Early Diagnosis and Preventive Care among All Demographics.
ANI
