India plans to expand NPCDCS to all districts

NEW DELHI: Aiming at preventing rise of non- communicable diseases, the government plans to expand National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke ( NPCDCS) from 100 districts at present to all districts in the country.

This was informed here today by Health Secretary Keshav Desiraju at a national conference organised jointly by Health and Family Welfare Ministry and World Health Organisation to celebrate World Health Day 2013.

Desiraju said non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer are increasing and the government plans to scale up the response to NCDs by expanding NPCDCS from 100 districts at present to all districts in the 12th Five Year Plan.

Under NPCDCS, of the 1.76 crore people aged 30 years and above screened for diabetes and hypertension, 7.22 per cent were suspected of having diabetes and 6.59 per cent hypertension, he said.

He stressed on the need to address the major risk factors such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol intake by creating awareness on promotion of healthy lifestyle and habits among the community.

Desiraju said high blood pressure is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and in 2008, 24 per cent of the deaths in India were due to cardiovascular diseases.

He urged for a stronger focus on high blood pressure, the theme of the World Health Day 2013, as part of a comprehensive approach to NCDs.

Highlighting the reason for choosing 'High Blood Pressure' as theme for World Health Day 2013, WHO Representative to India, Nata Menabde, said, "High blood pressure affects one in three adults worldwide...Many people do not even know they suffer from high blood pressure."

She stressed the need for action at the community level for prevention and control of this silent killer.