Anaemia Prevalence in Urban Workforce Drops to 12.14%: MediBuddy Study
Mumbai: A recent study by MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare company, reveals a significant decline in anaemia cases among urban working women. The study analyzed health records of 4,397 urban corporate employees and found that anaemia prevalence dropped to 12.14% over the last five years, a substantial improvement from the 40%+ national average reported in NFHS-5 (2019-21).
Key Findings:
- Women: 32.67% of female respondents were anaemic, a notable reduction from the national urban average of 56.5% for women aged 15-49.
- Men: Anaemia prevalence among male employees was 5.63%, significantly lower than the urban average of 25% for men in the same age group.
- Age Group: Working women aged 40-50 were the most vulnerable, accounting for 26.44% of all anaemic female respondents.
- State-wise Prevalence: Maharashtra recorded the highest number of anaemic employees (3.66% of the total sample), followed by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
States like Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat demonstrated relatively low anaemia prevalence, highlighting regional disparities and the impact of local healthcare programs.
Dr. Gowri Kulkarni, Head of Medical Operations at MediBuddy, attributed the decline to improved health literacy, regular screenings, and timely interventions. She emphasized the need for continued investment in preventive health measures, including routine blood tests, iron supplementation programs, and dietary consultations.