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Agartala, Tripura—In a groundbreaking move to enhance healthcare services, the Government of Tripura, in collaboration with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and the Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC), has launched the STAR-NCD program. This initiative, officially known as Strengthening Ambulatory Care for Non-Communicable Diseases in India (STAR-NCD), represents a significant step in improving the prevention, diagnosis, and management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) across the state.
The STAR-NCD program is part of a National Health Research Priority (NHRP) spearheaded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The program aims to enhance out-patient care services for prevalent conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, focusing particularly on primary care improvements.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Tripura, who emphasized the state’s commitment to tackling the growing issue of NCDs. “Tripura is dedicated to advancing healthcare services, and the STAR-NCD program will play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by chronic diseases. By integrating advanced technologies and focusing on primary care, we are striving to ensure better health outcomes for our citizens,” Prof. Saha stated.
The Secretary of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Tripura, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of the program. “This initiative marks a substantial milestone in our healthcare system. By strengthening our health facilities’ capabilities, we are laying the foundation for a future where high-quality healthcare is accessible to all, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.”
Prof. Nikhil Tandon from AIIMS, New Delhi, underscored the collaborative nature of the project, noting, “The STAR-NCD program is designed to enhance the capabilities of healthcare workers and introduce advanced clinical decision support systems (CDSS) to improve diagnosis and treatment pathways. Our partnership with the Government of Tripura will serve as a model for other states.”
Prof. D. Prabhakaran, Executive Director of CCDC, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative’s potential impact. “NCDs represent a major challenge to public health. We are excited to work closely with Tripura to implement evidence-based solutions tailored to the region’s specific healthcare needs. The STAR-NCD project will equip health systems with the necessary tools and data to improve patient outcomes.”
The STAR-NCD program will be rolled out initially across various districts, beginning with Gomati District. The initiative aims to significantly benefit millions by strengthening the state’s healthcare infrastructure and integrating digital health platforms.
As Tripura embarks on this transformative journey, the STAR-NCD program stands as a beacon of progress in the fight against Non-Communicable Diseases, setting a precedent for other states to follow in enhancing healthcare delivery and outcomes.
