Non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer, pose a significant threat to global health and community well-being.
These chronic conditions, largely driven by lifestyle factors like tobacco use, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets, can lead to premature death, disability, and economic hardship. If left unchecked, NCDs can strain healthcare systems, exacerbate poverty, and undermine economic development.
The Department of Health and Family Welfare provides technical and financial support to the state and UTs across the country under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) as part of the National Health Mission (NHM).
Strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, early diagnosis and referral to an appropriate level of healthcare facility for treatment awareness creation and health promotion are some of the areas focused under the programme.
Under NP-NCD, 770 District NCD Clinics, 372 District Day Care Centres, 233 Cardiac Care Units and 6410 Community Health Centre NCD Clinics have been set up.
Also, population-based initiatives for screening, management and prevention of common NCDs including diabetes, hypertension, oral cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer have been rolled out as part of comprehensive Primary Health Care under the National Health Mission (NHM).
One of the main focus of the programme is creating awareness in the community, especially in deprived areas. To increase public awareness about NCDs and promote healthy lifestyles, health days related to NCDs are observed, and social media is used for continued community awareness.
The states are also provided with financial support for carrying out the activities under the National Health Mission (NHM).
The role of the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) is key in spreading awareness about the NCDs. They educate individuals and families on the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles, including nutritious diets, regular physical activity, and avoidance of the use of tobacco and alcohol.
ASHA workers also conduct regular follow-ups and emphasise the significance of early detection through regular health check-ups and screenings. This enables timely intervention through home visits, group meetings, and participation in health campaigns.