Residents at the health camp organised at the Patna zoo on Wednesday. Picture by Piyush Kumar Tripathi

The ongoing weeklong health check-up camp organised by Bihar State Health Society (BSHS) in association with New Gardiner Road Hospital at Patna zoo has turned out to be a huge draw among morning walkers ahead of World Diabetes Day (November 14).
Hundreds of people are thronging the camp for free blood pressure, blood sugar level, lipid profile, kidney function, electrocardiography (ECG), body mass index (BMI), eye tests and diet counselling.
'We are diagnosing people for diabetic and metabolic diseases. The various tests being conducted for free at the camp include blood sugar, lipid profile, kidney function and ECG among others. Over 700 people have got their tests done at the camp over the past three days,' said Manoj Kumar Sinha, the medical superintendent of New Gardiner Road Hospital.
Incidentally, the proportion of diabetic people has been found to be significantly high at the camps.
'Out of 400 people diagnosed on Tuesday, 120 were found to be diabetic or suffering from hypertension. While the tests are for free, we are prescribing them medicine and counselling them on diet and lifestyle,' said Manoj.
Those who availed the benefits at the camp seemed delighted. 'I am a diabetic and such frequent tests are always beneficial. Apart from blood sugar and pressure, I got the kidney, uric acid and eye tests done. I would give the corresponding reports to my personal doctor for better treatment,' said Ram Ishwar Ram, a retired employee of Food Corporation of India, who comes to the zoo daily for morning walks.
Most of the people coming to the health camp are regular morning walkers at the zoo. The doctors present at the camp, too, recommended morning walks or jogging as a good habit to tackle diabetes.
'Morning walk or jogging is highly recommended for those suffering from diabetes or hyper tension because it keeps blood circulation in balance, ensures glucose control, better cardiovascular fitness and weight control,' said Manoj.
Apart from regular morning walkers, many people came from far-off places to the camp.
'I have come from Patna City to avail the facility, as it would cost me anywhere around Rs 1,400-1,600 if I would get them done from outside. I have undergone blood sugar, blood- pressure, ECG and eye tests,' said Rajan Choudhary.
Manoj said the camp would conclude on November 14 and similar camps would be held at Rajdhani Vatika, popularly known as Eco Park and Gandhi Maidan.
