HEALTH
Helping High Blood Pressure Patients in Dura Clinic
Apr, 2019
Iman, 42, was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure. In the southern areas of Hebron Governorate where many of the patients at the Dura Palestinian Red Crescent Society clinic are from, residents like Iman often depend on farming as a primary source of income. Many villagers find it hard to access quality medicine.
The clinic in Dura is doing its part to change that. Pharmacist Hamed Abu Hashem says that despite the small size of the clinic pharmacy, the shelves contain many essential medicines for needy patients.
Hamed says there are multiple causes of high blood pressure. In Hebron, as in many parts of the world, diet is often a major cause. “Being overweight or obese makes people more vulnerable, putting extra strain on the heart and circulatory system and causing serious health problems,” Hamed says.
Iman learned about her high blood pressure during a pregnancy checkup. “It began while I was pregnant… but unfortunately... it remained afterwards.”
She was prescribed olmesartan medoxomil, used to reduce and control hypertension, and made available free of charge through Anera in-kind medical partner, Americares. The medicine relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering high blood pressure, helping to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
The no-cost availability of this medicine is crucial for patients like Iman. If forced to pay for her hypertension medication on the open market, she would not be able to afford to care for herself.
Iman frequently visits the clinic to test her blood pressure. The doctor advises Iman to avoid salty food, which can exacerbate her condition.
Iman leaves the clinic relaxed after the doctor assures her that her blood pressure is stable. She is already planning the next healthy meal. “I am preparing salad and soup for the day and putting the salt aside,” she says with a smile.
