09 July 2010
By Vineeta Pandey
New Delhi, India
The Centre has decided to screen all persons above 30 for non–communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and stroke.
The screening will be part of a national programme being launched for prevention of NCDs, which have emerged as the leading cause of mortality in the country, accounting for over 42% of deaths.
The national programme for prevention and control of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and stroke (NPCDCS), with at an estimated outlay of Rs1,230.90 crore, was approved by the cabinet committee on economic affairs on Thursday.
Of the Rs1,230.90 crore, Rs499.38 crore will be spent on diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke intervention, while Rs731.52 crore are for cancer control. The Centre and states will share the cost 80:20.
Under the programme, about 7 crore adults (30 & above) will be screened for diabetes and hypertension for early diagnosis and treatment. The programme will be implemented in 20,000 health sub–centres and 700 community health centres in 100 districts across 15 states/union territories and will promote a healthy lifestyle through health education.
NCDs cause considerable loss in potentially productive years (35–64) of life. According to a 2002 WHO report, cardiovascular diseases will be the largest cause of death and disability in India by 2020.
It is estimated that the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart diseases and stroke in the country is 62.47, 159.46, 37.00 and 1.54 per 1,000. There are an estimated 25 lakh cancer cases.
The health ministry said cost implications of NCDs to society ran into thousands of crore. These include direct costs to people with illnesses and their families and indirect costs to society due to reduced productivity.
To fill the gap in the health delivery system, about 32,000 personnel would be trained at various levels for screening, diagnosis and management of NCDs.
NPCDCS is expected to bring a behavioural change in society to adopt healthy lifestyles, including dietary patterns, enhanced physical activity and reduced intake of tobacco and alcohol, resulting in overall reduction in factors causing NCDs.
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