Madurai Residents Gain Access to Affordable Bone Health Testing
People living in Madurai now have a remarkable opportunity to protect their bone health at a fraction of the usual cost. Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) has introduced Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry scans for just Rs 500. This price represents an enormous saving compared to private facilities, where patients typically pay around Rs 2,500 for the same advanced diagnostic procedure.
The Gold Standard for Bone Health Assessment
Medical professionals describe the DXA scan as the definitive test for evaluating bone mineral density. Dr. S Sridhar, who leads the endocrinology department at GRH, explained its critical importance. "This technology serves as our gold standard for bone health assessment," he stated. "It does more than simply diagnose bone density loss. The scan actively monitors how patients respond to treatment over time."
Doctors emphasize that early detection through DXA scanning makes a tremendous difference. The test identifies bone weakness long before fractures actually occur. This early warning system enables timely medical intervention that can prevent serious injuries and maintain mobility.
Who Benefits Most from This Affordable Testing?
Several groups stand to gain particular advantages from this accessible bone density testing:
- Individuals over 60 years of age
- Women who have undergone hysterectomy procedures
- People requiring long-term steroid medication
- Those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis
Dr. Sridhar specifically mentioned that economically disadvantaged patients receiving treatment at GRH can obtain these scans completely free of charge. "These patients can visit our hospital for the scan and continue their prescribed treatments as advised," he noted.
Beyond Bones: Comprehensive Health Evaluation
The DXA scan provides valuable insights beyond just bone density measurements. It plays a crucial role in obesity evaluation by delivering precise body composition analysis. The technology accurately measures total body fat percentage and examines how fat distributes throughout different body regions.
This detailed fat distribution analysis covers arms, legs, and the abdominal area. Such comprehensive data helps doctors develop targeted treatment plans and recommend specific lifestyle modifications for their patients.
Practical Details and Accessibility
The scanning procedure itself requires only about ten minutes of the patient's time. GRH makes this service available from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM daily, with the exception of Sundays. Patients visit the endocrinology department within the hospital to complete their scans.
Once the scan identifies low bone density, patients receive appropriate referrals to endocrinology specialists. These doctors can then prescribe treatments including specialized injections designed to prevent fractures and related disabilities.
Dr. Sridhar highlighted the serious consequences of osteoporosis-related fractures. "These injuries can severely impact both mobility and overall quality of life," he warned. Medical experts generally recommend that at-risk individuals undergo bone density testing at least once every year to monitor their skeletal health effectively.
