0
0
Kerala, known for its advanced healthcare system, is set to revise its protocol for managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as part of its ongoing efforts to combat the rising burden of lifestyle-related illnesses. This move aims to strengthen the existing framework under the state’s comprehensive NCD control program, Amrutham Arogyam, which has been operational across all districts and health facilities in Kerala.
The state’s NCD control program, initiated under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), is the first of its kind in India and focuses on a multi-tiered approach to prevention and management. It targets primordial prevention by reducing risk factors, primary prevention through health education on diet and exercise, secondary prevention via screening for individuals above 30 years, and tertiary care for early management of complications. The program covers services from district hospitals to sub-centers, ensuring accessibility even at the grassroots level.
A key component of the program has been the integration of specialized services such as the Kerala COPD Prevention and Control Program, known as “SWAAS,” which addresses chronic respiratory diseases through early diagnosis using spirometry and structured treatment protocols. The state has also equipped Family Health Centres with necessary diagnostic tools and medicines, including insulin, which are provided free of cost to patients.
The revision of the protocol comes in the wake of challenges highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted routine care for chronic disease patients. Studies conducted in Kerala showed that nearly half of adults with NCDs faced difficulties in accessing consultations and medications due to transportation issues, financial constraints, and fear of infection. Although telemedicine emerged as an alternative, its use remained limited due to infrastructural challenges in rural areas.
Kerala’s decentralized public health governance, which has been credited for its effective handling of infectious disease outbreaks like Nipah virus and COVID-19, is expected to play a crucial role in implementing the revised NCD protocol. The state’s experience in community engagement and surveillance has laid a strong foundation for enhancing NCD management strategies.
The revised protocol aims to incorporate lessons learned from the pandemic, improve data management and screening coverage, and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for NCD patients. It will also focus on expanding awareness campaigns, strengthening supply chains for essential medicines, and integrating innovative healthcare delivery models to address the growing epidemiological transition in Kerala, where NCDs contribute to over 90% of premature mortality.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of April 2025 from Kerala’s health department and related studies. The situation regarding health protocols and programs may evolve, and readers are advised to consult official sources for the most current updates.
Citations:
