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The Kerala government is set to revise its protocol for managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as part of its ongoing efforts to address the rising burden of lifestyle-related illnesses in the state. This move aims to enhance the effectiveness of the state’s comprehensive NCD control program, Amrutham Arogyam, which currently covers all districts and extends services down to the grassroots level through an extensive network of health facilities and community health workers.
Kerala has been grappling with a significant epidemiological transition, with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer accounting for over 90% of premature mortality in the state. The state’s rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes have contributed to this surge, making NCDs a major public health challenge.
The Amrutham Arogyam program, launched as a state initiative complementing the national NPCDCS (National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke), focuses on a multi-tiered approach:
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Primordial prevention: Reducing risk factors in the general population through health education on diet, exercise, and addiction avoidance.
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Primary prevention: Screening all individuals above 30 years for NCDs regardless of symptoms.
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Secondary prevention: Providing free medication and early management for those diagnosed.
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Tertiary care: Managing complications to reduce morbidity and mortality.
The program has been successful in integrating NCD screening and treatment services into all levels of healthcare, including district hospitals, community health centers, primary health centers, and over 5,400 sub-centers. Specialized initiatives under Amrutham Arogyam include the Kerala COPD Prevention and Control Program (SWAAS), which focuses on early diagnosis and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and the India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI), implemented in four districts to improve hypertension and diabetes management.
Kerala is also expanding innovative services such as Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) clinics to provide cost-effective renal care and Diabetic Foot Clinics to prevent limb loss among diabetes patients. The state has equipped clinics with advanced diagnostic tools like spirometers, non-mydriatic cameras, and biothesiometers to enhance early detection and monitoring.
The revision of the NCD protocol aims to update treatment guidelines, improve data management through the Ehealth NCD module, and address challenges such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on screening rates. The government plans to strengthen decentralized planning and resource allocation to align with the high social and economic burden posed by NCDs, ensuring better health outcomes and cost-effective care.
This strategic revision reflects Kerala’s commitment to maintaining its leadership in public health innovation and tackling the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases through robust, evidence-based interventions.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available from Kerala health department sources and related public health reports as of April 2025. The details are subject to updates and official government releases. Readers are advised to consult official Kerala health department communications for the most current information.
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