Mangaluru: District health officer Dr HR Thimmaiah on Wednesday said that 12,501 patients have been treated since April 2024 under the Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (KaBHI).Speaking after inaugurating a week-long brain health awareness programme and launching physiotherapy equipment at the Brain Health Clinic of Wenlock District Hospital on World Brain Day, he said the number represents less than 1% of the potential need in the district, and stressed the need for wider public outreach, so more citizens can benefit from the services.Among the 12,501 patients treated, 1,158 were stroke cases, 1,445 epilepsy, 2,225 headache, 69 dementia, and 5,004 other neurological conditions. He said that healthcare delivery focuses on four pillars–preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care, and noted that rehabilitation remains a neglected aspect and needs greater attention.He also said that with a new Rs 70 crore hospital building coming up, a dedicated section for the Brain Health Clinic should be planned to ensure better space and services. In 2026, so far, around 4,826 cases were reported at the clinic.The KaBHI programme focuses on four key neurological conditions, epilepsy, dementia, headache, and stroke/paralysis, and is implemented by the state govt with support from Nimhans, said Dr Thimmaiah. He added that awareness is important to the programme’s success, and urged people to utilise free neurological services available at the hospital.Dr Sudarshan, nodal officer, district level KaBHI programme officer, said physiotherapy plays a crucial role in stroke recovery, and instead of remaining confined at home, patients who undergo physiotherapy can return to normal life and employment.A clinic staffer cited the case of a 40-year-old tailor who suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, leaving him with severe weakness and loss of independence. As the sole breadwinner for his wife, two children, and mother, the illness impacted the entire family, however, he has since made significant progress, and is now walking independently, managing daily activities without assistance, and regaining confidence in his routine life.The equipment donated by a private bank under its CSR initiative, includes gait belts, theraband resistance bands, weight cuffs, bolsters, wedge pillows, steppers, cones, mirror therapy boxes, hand exercise devices, pocket TENS units, and finger ladders.The awareness programme will be held from July 22 to 28 to promote brain health through coordinated activities across Brain Health Clinics, district and taluk hospitals, primary health centres, and health and wellness centres.Sukesh Jain, area officer of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, Jyoti K, district health education officer and additional DHEO Lalita were present.
