Skip to main content

Health Ministry to launch population based prevention, screening and control programme for five NCDs and risk factors

Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs) which are Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) such as heart attacks and stroke, Diabetes, Chronic Respiratory Diseases (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases and Asthma) and Cancer inter alia account for over 60% of all mortality in India.  Of these, nearly 55% are premature mortality. This imposes a financial and social cost on families and the country.  According to the World Economic Forum, India stands to lose $ 4.58 trillion (Rs 311.94 trillion between 2012 and 2030 due to non-communicable diseases.

Since these conditions do not exhibit symptoms until complications set in, it is essential to detect them early.  Early detection of NCDs not only enables onset of treatment but prevents high financial costs and suffering.  For some cancers, survival rates are good when they are detected and treated in the early stages.  Screening for these conditions, which can be undertaken at the level of the sub centre or Primary health Centres helps early detection and also serves to raise health awareness among people to lead healthy lifestyles.  Given that primary health care, including prevention and health promotion can lead to improved health and developmental outcomes at much lower cost, the Ministry is now expanding access to prevention and primary care services,

As part of the National Health Mission, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is launching population based prevention, screening and control programme for five common non-communicable diseases, namely Hypertension, Diabetes, and Cancers of oral cavity, breast and cervix. On February 4th coinciding with World Cancer Day, Union Health and Family Welfare Minster is expected to launch the programme. The training of frontline workers- the ASHA and ANM which will be initiated and in some sub-centres, population based screening will also start. Detailed protocols for treatment, referrals and follow-up on these disease conditions will be provided. 

In the first phase, the population based screening component will be rolled out in 100 districts in 32 states and UTs with about 1000 sub-centres undertaking screening before March 31st of this year. ASHAs will also be capturing information on major risk factors so that persons at risk could be counselled on leading healthy lifestyles to prevent onset of NCDs. In subsequent phases, Chronic Obstructive Respiratory diseases will be included and the programme will be scaled up to cover other districts. Support to states will also be provided for community health promotion and prevention efforts, and referral and treatment.
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=157571

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Bollywood Actor Challenges Liquor Legislation

Bollywood Actor Challenges Liquor Legislation NTDTV In an effort to discourage youngsters from consuming alcohol, the provincial government of India 's western Maharashtra state this June increased the legal age limit from 21 to 25. Khan calls this act of state government an infringement of individual ... < http://english.ntdtv.com/ntd t v_en/news_asia/2011-09-15/bol l ywood-actor-challenges-liquor - legislation.html >

Ban alcohol advertising and products: NGOs

India News By IANS, New Delhi: A new report by a group of NGOs Tuesday highlighted the ill-effects of advertising and marketing of alcohol on young people, and proposed a comprehensive ban on all kinds of marketing strategies that seek to portray drinking as normal. "To reduce alcohol consumption, it is very important that the governments enforce a comprehensive ban on all kinds of advertising of alcohol brands and products. "A separate government agency should be formed to monitor this ban," said the report titled "Alcohol Marketing and Regulatory Policy Environment in India" released here. The report was developed by the Public Health Foundation of India in collaboration with Delhi-based NGO Hriday and Swedish National Institute of Public Health. Monika Arora, director of the health promotions unit of Public Health Foundation of India blamed advertising for promoting the use of alcohol among youth. "It has been seen that children wh...

Breaking the Cycle: Helping Friends Quit Weed by Siya Nada volunteer from Shimla

"Empowering Youth: Building Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions through Community Profiling,"  Siya Chohan student of UPES, Dehradoon  and Nada Volunteer    In our late teens, while my friends turned to smoking weed, I stood firm in my decision to abstain. Despite their respect for my choice, I couldn't ignore the toll weed was taking on their health and behavior. Concerned by their growing lethargy and detachment, I took a stand and voiced my worries. Thankfully, they listened, and together, we sought out healthier alternatives like hiking and sports to replace their weed habit. Through open conversations and professional support, we navigated a challenging journey marked by relapses and doubts, but ultimately, persistence led to their recovery. This experience taught me the value of compassion and perseverance in helping others overcome addiction, and it deepened my commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.  Reflecting on today's Youth Forum, led by Mr. Shabab A...