A new study by the Max Institute of Healthcare Management at the Indian School of Business (ISB) has shed light on critical gaps in the diagnosis and management of hypertension, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas of India. With over 220 million Indians affected by this condition, hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, yet private healthcare providers in these regions are failing to follow standardized practices, leaving patients vulnerable to serious complications.

Published in the peer-reviewed BMC Health Services Research journal, the study, titled ‘Private provider practices and incentives for hypertension management in rural and peri-urban Telangana, India’, involved in-depth interviews with over 46 healthcare professionals and patients across three districts in Telangana: Warangal Urban, Karimnagar, and Sircilla. What they found was troubling: inconsistent diagnostic practices, inadequate follow-up care, and poor record-keeping are hindering effective management of the disease.

Inconsistent Care and Missed Diagnoses

One of the most alarming findings is that many private practitioners only measure blood pressure when patients show clear symptoms. Routine opportunistic screenings—an essential tool for early detection—are often overlooked. Furthermore, private practitioners set varying thresholds for hypertension diagnosis, further delaying treatment for patients who desperately need it.

"The lack of routine screenings and inconsistent diagnostic thresholds put patients at a higher risk of complications," said Professor Sarang Deo, Executive Director at the Max Institute of Healthcare Management and co-author of the study. "This emphasizes the urgent need for a standardized approach to diagnosis, so patients aren’t left untreated until it’s too late."

Financial Barriers and Poor Follow-up

The study also found that the high cost of diagnostic tests discourages patients from following up with specialists. This economic barrier often leads to patients neglecting long-term management of their condition, exacerbating the problem.

On top of that, poor record-keeping and a lack of structured follow-up mechanisms make it difficult for patients to maintain regular check-ups. Without consistent follow-ups, treatment adherence drops significantly, and patients face a higher risk of uncontrolled hypertension.

A Call for Action

To tackle these challenges, the study recommends implementing standardized screening protocols and educational interventions to bridge the knowledge gap among healthcare providers. Equally important is patient education, which can empower individuals to take charge of their own health through better self-management.

The study also advocates for innovative financing solutions, such as insurance or community health funds, to help reduce the financial burden on patients. Systematic follow-up mechanisms, community participation, and the use of digital monitoring tools could further improve treatment adherence and long-term outcomes.

A Broader Public Health Issue

"Hypertension is often thought of as an issue affecting affluent urban populations," Professor Deo added, "but its prevalence is rising among lower-income groups in rural and peri-urban areas, where access to healthcare is limited. This makes it crucial to develop public health programs that engage local healthcare providers to improve care quality and reduce the risk of complications."

As hypertension continues to rise in these underserved communities, the study's findings highlight the need for a more structured, accessible, and financially viable healthcare system—one that can help save lives through early detection and consistent management.