Digital X-Ray Project Reveals Widespread Bone Disorders

Hyderabad:A digital X-ray machine installed at a mosque-based clinic in Shaheenagar has brought to light a hidden health crisis—over 60 per cent of adults scanned suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, revealing the burden of undiagnosed conditions in Hyderabad’s underserved urban communities.

The diagnostic unit was set up by the Helping Hand Foundation (HHF) in partnership with SEED-USA, at the primary health centre at Masjid-e-Omar Shifa. Analysis of 2,000 X-rays taken from 900 patients showed that 34 per cent suffered from osteoarthritis and 28 per cent from spinal degeneration. These conditions are commonly linked to poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyles and rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The centre offers integrated, round-the-clock primary healthcare. Facilities include a 20-bed inpatient ward, a mini operation theatre, antenatal and postnatal care, NCD clinics, as well as dental and ophthalmic services. All services are provided free of cost and are open to people of all backgrounds.

In just six months, the health centre has served around 64,343 patients. The X-ray service alone has saved an estimated `8 lakh in out-of-pocket diagnostic expenses for patients. With instant diagnosis now possible, patients receive immediate care at an in-house rehabilitation centre staffed by trained physiotherapists.

Seventeen per cent of X-rays conducted were chest-related, and nearly a third of these confirmed pneumonia, primarily in children. “We were able to treat 103 paediatric pneumonia cases swiftly due to on-the-spot diagnostics,” said Dr Usaid Ahmed, chief medical officer at HHF.

The X-ray unit was inaugurated by SEED-USA president Davar Qureshi in memory of Nafeesa Sultana. HHF trustee Mujtaba Hasan Askari termed the findings a wake-up call on the silent epidemic of musculoskeletal ailments afflicting the urban poor