Chennai, October 21, 2024: In the lead-up to World Osteoporosis Day on October 20, Star Health and Allied Insurance, India’s largest standalone health insurer, has announced the launch of a major nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness about osteoporosis. This year’s campaign, with a special focus on women who account for a staggering 69% of diagnosed osteoporosis cases in India, seeks to educate the public about the disease and encourage early diagnosis and preventive measures.
As part of this initiative, Star Health will offer free bone scans in over 46 cities across India, including Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore, on October 21, 2024. These scans will be accompanied by educational wellness camps where attendees will receive nutritional advice, consultations with healthcare professionals, and resources on how to prevent and manage osteoporosis.
Mr. Anand Roy, MD & CEO of Star Health Insurance, emphasized the company’s commitment to promoting preventive healthcare, “Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease, affecting 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50. Our goal with this initiative is to provide the tools for early detection and to empower people to take proactive steps in managing their bone health. By offering free bone scans and running awareness camps across the country, we aim to reduce the long-term impact of osteoporosis and improve the quality of life for people at risk. This initiative is part of Star Health’s larger wellness focus on preventive healthcare and creating a healthier Bharat.”
Osteoporosis in India: A Growing Concern
Osteoporosis, a condition that leads to weakened bones and increased risk of fractures, often goes undiagnosed and untreated, especially among women. Due to hormonal changes with age, women are at a higher risk, and the disease typically remains silent until a fracture occurs. This can have a debilitating impact on quality of life, leading to long-term disability or even mortality.
From FY 2015 to H1-FY 2025, Star Health has processed 1,566 osteoporosis-related claims, with women accounting for the overwhelming majority. These statistics highlight the pressing need for increased public awareness and preventive measures, especially among women, who are disproportionately affected. Without early detection, osteoporosis can go unnoticed until bones have become so fragile that even minor incidents can result in fractures.