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New Delhi, December 21, 2024 – The Government of India has significantly bolstered its efforts to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in deprived areas through the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), a critical component of the National Health Mission (NHM).
Under NP-NCD, a robust healthcare infrastructure has been established, comprising 770 District NCD Clinics, 372 District Day Care Centres, 233 Cardiac Care Units, and 6,410 Community Health Centre NCD Clinics across the country. These facilities are geared to provide early diagnosis, treatment, and management of NCDs, as well as promote health awareness and disease prevention.
The programme also includes a population-based screening initiative to address common NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, oral cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. This screening forms part of the comprehensive primary healthcare services under NHM and aims to ensure early detection and timely intervention.
To further its goals, the Department of Health and Family Welfare offers technical and financial support to States and Union Territories, enabling them to enhance infrastructure, develop human resources, and facilitate referrals to appropriate healthcare facilities.
Public Awareness and Community Engagement
The government has placed a strong emphasis on awareness generation and health promotion. Observance of NCD-specific health days, coupled with the use of social media campaigns, ensures sustained community outreach. Financial assistance is provided to States and Union Territories for implementing these awareness activities as part of their Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs).
In rural and underserved communities, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) play a pivotal role in promoting healthy lifestyles. Through home visits, group meetings, and health campaigns, ASHAs educate individuals and families on adopting balanced diets, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. They also underscore the importance of regular health check-ups and screenings to enable early detection and timely treatment of NCDs.
Ministerial Commitment
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, highlighted these developments in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. He reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the growing burden of NCDs and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, particularly in deprived and underserved regions.
The government’s multi-faceted approach underscores its resolve to tackle the challenges posed by NCDs and improve public health outcomes across India.
