Latest news with #MujtabaHasanAskari
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
50% NCD patients skip care over travel cost; survey shows risk rising in Rajendranagar; HHF sets up free clinics
HYDERABAD: According to a survey by the city-based healthcare organisation Helping Hand Foundation (HHF) in Rajendranagar, nearly 50% of the 12,000 patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) found it difficult to visit health centres due to travel costs and distance. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This led to irregular treatment, increasing risk of serious health complications. The health organisation has conducted a survey of around 200 households over the past three years. With NCDs such as diabetes, high blood pressure and thyroid cases growing rapidly in Hyderabad and neaby areas, the HHF, which collaborates with govt hospitals in the city, has set up three special clinics called Basti BP & Sugar Clinics in remote areas of Rajendranagar - MM Pahadi, Suleman Nagar and Chintalmet. These NCD sub-centres are designed to provide free, accessible care to low-income communities and serve a population of 65,000-70,000 people in Rajendranagar. "A community-centric approach is the best way to control chronic diseases in underserved communities," said Mujtaba Hasan Askari of HHF.
The Hindu
24-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
With just one govt school for 1.5 lakh population in Bandlaguda, NGO opens free primary school
In the densely populated 16-square kilometre stretch of Bandlaguda, home to nearly 1.5 lakh people, there is only one government school. To tackle this gap, SEED USA and Hyderabad-based NGO Helping Hand Foundation (HHF) have opened a primary school to provide free, quality education to children from economically vulnerable families. Located in Mohammed Nagar, one of several urban settlements in Bandlaguda, including Ismail Nagar, Millat Nagar, Hussain Nagar, Ghouse Nagar and Mustafa Hills, the new SEED-HHF school offers classes from nursery to Class 5. With two sections for LKG and one for each grade, the school has enrolled 300 students, all of whom will receive free education and books. A pre-establishment survey by HHF revealed that despite the presence of 35 to 40 private schools, the prohibitive costs — around ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 per month — kept education out of reach for many. The survey found that 68% of households live in low-cost rented accommodations, with rents below ₹5,000, while 65% of residents are migrants from States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Most adults work in the informal sector as gig workers, rickshaw drivers, construction labourers or domestic helpers. 'About 80% of families said even minimal school fees were unaffordable. By opening this school, we are not just offering education, we are offering dignity, opportunity, and long-term empowerment. The school is situated in one of the most neglected pockets of Bandlaguda. Our mission is to serve those who are usually invisible to the system,' said Mujtaba Hasan Askari, founder of HHF.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
72% deliveries registered at urban PHCs took place in govt hosps: Survey
Hyderabad: Around 72% of deliveries registered at urban primary health centres (PHCs) between Aug and Dec 2024 took place in govt hospitals, revealed a survey by the city-based healthcare NGO, Helping Hand Foundation (HHF). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The survey covered 3,075 pre-natal cases across 12 PHCs in over 90 urban settlements, mostly in the city's south and west areas, which are also home to migrant labourers and low-income communities. As part of its maternal health initiative , HHF assigned one trained maternal health counsellor for every 250 pregnant women. The counsellors provided trimester-wise guidance on follow-ups, tests, scans, nutrition, and hygiene, ensuring consistent engagement throughout the pregnancy. "The most important aspect of our intervention was convincing women to opt for deliveries in govt hospitals. Our trained volunteers stationed in maternity hospitals provided crucial support and guidance throughout the pregnancy," said HHF founder trustee Mujtaba Hasan Askari, adding that of the 432 deliveries recorded during this period, 72% took place in govt hospitals — completely free of charge. "This resulted in an estimated saving of Rs 1 crore in out-of-pocket expenses for these families," he said. Crucially, 68% of deliveries were normal, demonstrating the success of early risk identification and ongoing care. While 45% of the women had anaemia early in pregnancy, most recovered with dietary and medical help. Around 21% had gestational diabetes and 15% developed pregnancy-related anaemia. The outcomes were encouraging: 99% of births were live births (428), with only three intrauterine deaths. No neonatal complications were reported, and the sex ratio was 54% male and 46% female. "These indicators strongly suggest the effectiveness of community-based antenatal care and timely referrals," said Dr Amina Afshan, chief medical officer at HHF's health centre in Pahadi Shareef.
The Hindu
21-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Rising women's health issues in Hyderabad slums puts spotlight on overworked ASHA workers
A recent community health survey conducted by Hyderabad-based NGO, Helping Hand Foundation (HHF) has revealed a rise in reproductive and non-communicable health issues among women in Hyderabad's urban slums, shining a spotlight on the critical but overburdened role of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). In a screening of over 22,000 women from marginalised communities across primary health centres run by HHF, the survey found that 40% of women suffered from irregular menstruation, with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) emerging as a major concern. The hormonal disorder, often driven by poor diet and sedentary lifestyles, affected 40% of adolescent girls and nearly 50% of adult women in the surveyed population. 'At the heart of this outreach system are ASHA workers, community-based healthcare providers responsible for a range of services, from antenatal care and immunisation to monitoring non-communicable diseases and conducting follow-ups. However, with the surge in complex health conditions, ASHA workers are finding themselves increasingly stretched thin,' said Mujtaba Hasan Askari, founder of Helping Hand Foundation. Telangana is home to nearly 30,000 ASHAs, with approximately 2,500 of them registered and actively serving in Hyderabad alone, said a senior health official. Working as the backbone of community-level healthcare, ASHAs play a crucial role in maternal and child health, immunisation, and disease prevention. They are often the first point of contact for healthcare in underserved areas. The report also highlighted that 22% of adolescent girls were anaemic, while nearly half (45%) of pregnant women suffered from anaemia. Pregnancy-related complications were alarmingly common, 15% of women experienced pregnancy-induced hypertension, 11% had gestational diabetes, and postpartum conditions were widespread, with 24% reporting hypertension, 20% facing depression and 43% suffering from persistent physical discomfort and pain after childbirth. Mr. Mujtaba Askari further added that ASHAs are the backbone of primary health networks, but they are overworked and under-resourced. From newborn care to chronic diseases, they're doing everything with very limited bandwidth. Given that most of these health conditions are preventable with timely awareness and lifestyle interventions, experts argue that investing in the capacity-building of ASHA workers is critical. HHF suggested introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based neonatal and maternal health tools, increasing training in reproductive health counselling, and most importantly, improving pay and working conditions for ASHAs.
