Unmasking India’s osteoporosis care crisis

Subject: Science and Tech

Section: Health

Context:

Only a small percentage of people in India receive care for their osteoporosis – a condition characterized by weakening of bones.

Osteoporosis or weakening of bones:

Osteoporosis day: 20 October
Theme: Build better bones
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases, or when the quality or structure of bone changes. This can lead to a decrease in bone strength that can increase the risk of broken bones (fractures).
It causes long-term pain, changes in posture and increases chances of fractures and nerve injury.
These symptoms negatively impact the quality of life and increase disability and financial burden on the family.
Data shows that at least 46 million women in India currently live with post-menopausal osteoporosis, which is only one type of osteoporosis.
Other causes of Osteoporosis:
- Women who had surgeries to remove their uterus, people who used steroid medication for a long time, and Old age.
A 2019 study also revealed that India was the highest contributor to osteoporosis fracture-related deaths/disabilities worldwide.
Endocrinologist: Doctors/practitioners having knowledge about bone conditions.
Most of the Indian population does not have access to DEXA or the bone mineral density scan – the gold standard test for osteoporosis.
A study found that in India, there are only 0.26 DEXA machines per million of the population.
Singh index to diagnose osteoporosis:
- It is a score that requires only an X-ray of the patient’s pelvis to diagnose osteoporosis.

Source: TH