Osteoporosis is a significant public health concern, particularly among postmenopausal women, due to its progressive nature leading to reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk. In rural India, limited awareness, socio-economic constraints, and inadequate access to diagnostic tools further exacerbate this burden. To address these challenges, the Health Education and Tele-Consultation on Osteoporosis (HEATCO) initiative was implemented, deploying a mobile digital health van equipped with Ultrasound Bone Densitometer for BMD assessments. The initiative integrated live educational sessions by consultants & digital exhibition encompassing images, slogans, songs, videos, couplets, and real bone samples to illustrate osteoporosis progression, fracture risks, and preventive strategies. Additionally, personalized dietary recommendations emphasizing calcium, vitamin D intake, and lifestyle modifications were provided based on individual BMD results. A teleconsultation facility inside the van enabled real-time video consultations with endocrinologists and orthopaedic specialists, ensuring appropriate guidance, medication adherence, and treatment planning. Between 2020 and 2024, the initiative covered 137 remote villages, screening 5,789 postmenopausal women out of 8,792 participants. Follow-up evaluations demonstrated an improvement in BMD in 22.7% participants (n=1,314), highlighting the feasibility of technology-driven community health interventions. This initiative underscores the potential of integrating mobile health solutions with telemedicine, and health education to enhance osteoporosis awareness, early diagnosis, and management in underserved populations. Given the projected 310% increase in hip fractures by 2050, the program aims to expand outreach by incorporating satellite internet connectivity, AI-driven risk prediction, and sustainable energy storage solutions, potentially benefiting over 90 million rural women in India. The HEATCO model demonstrates a scalable and cost-effective framework for addressing osteoporosis and other chronic diseases in resource-limited settings, promoting long-term health equity and disease prevention at the grassroots level.

Dr. Sanjeev Chaudhary is a highly accomplished Orthopaedic Surgeon with 35 years of experience, currently serving as Chief Consultant & Director of Chaudhary Hospital, Nagpur. Dr. Chaudhary owns a 50-bedded hospital which was accredited by National Board of Examination for Post-Graduate studies. He has performed over 48,000 surgeries. Beyond his surgical expertise, Dr. Chaudhary is a pioneer in public health, launching the innovative HEATCO program for osteoporosis awareness in rural areas. His research on osteoporosis in Vidarbha led to a WHITE PAPER submitted to the Government of India, influencing national health policies. He also served as Regional Coordinator of MUHS, spearheading the BLOSSOM tribal health research project. This led to his appointment as Chair Professor of Tribal Health at MUHS and the successful organization of the First International Symposium on Tribal Health (FIST-25). Dr. Chaudhary has served on the Senate and Management Council of MUHS and Nagpur University and is a member of the Medical Device Technical Advisory Committee, Government of India.