“India firmly emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy which includes preventive measures, early discussion and efficient management with the aim of reducing the prevalence and impact of NCDs on the well-being of our citizens”. This was stated by Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, during her virtual address at the high-level panel discussion on “Scaling up Integration of NCDs in Primary Care” at the World Health Summit 2023, here today. Dr Roderico H Ofrin, WHO India Representative was also present. The theme of this year’s World Health Summit is “A Defining Year for Global Health Action.”

Highlighting India’s efforts at reducing non-communicable diseases, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar stated that “India has launched the 75/25 initiative, aimed at screening and providing standard of care for 75 million individuals with hypertension and diabetes by 2025. It marks the most extensive expansion of NCDs in primary healthcare globally”. “India's visible efforts to improve social indicators such as life expectancy, maternal mortality rate, and NCDs are evident in its seeking of this goal. The Outcome Budget document of the Union Budget for 2023-2024 is noteworthy for including hypertension and diabetes treatment as output indicators for the first time. This inclusion underscores the government's dedication to scaling up coverage services for hypertension and diabetes, further emphasizing its commitment to tackling these health challenges”, she added.

Emphasizing that NCDs have become a significant global health challenge demanding immediate attention, the Union Minister said that “the Govt of India had launched the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) under the National Health Mission (NHM) in 2010 with the aim of strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, health promotion, early diagnosis, management and referral. The Ayushman Bharat initiative is translating the policy intent to budgetary commitment, to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) underscoring the commitment to ‘leave no one behind’”.

Underlining the initiatives taken by the Govt of India for countering NCDs, Dr Pawar stated that “the Union Health Ministry has implemented Population-Based Screening (PBS) under the umbrella of Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) across Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC). The individuals in the age groups of 30 years and above are targeted for risk assessment and screening of common NCDs (hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer). The services are being offered through trained frontline health workers and the referral support and continuity of care is ensured through all levels of health care delivery systems”. “Through e-Sanjeevani, teleconsultation services for NCDs are provided to citizens by leveraging potential of Information Technology bypassing hindrances of geography, accessibility, cost and distance”, she stated.

She also informed that prevention and control of NCDs, as well as awareness for healthy lifestyles, are being carried out in mission mode at all levels of health care delivery in collaboration with the public and private sectors. “Beyond the management of illness, Health & Wellness Centers are focusing on ensuring the wellness and wellbeing of the community. In addition to this, we have also collaborated with other Union Ministries and Departments such as the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Ayush, for activities such as Fit India Movement and yoga-related activities carried out by the respective ministries. Other initiatives for increasing public awareness about NCDs and for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle include observation of International & National Health Days and the use of print, electronic and social media for continued community awareness”, she further added.

Underscoring the role of technology in improving last mile delivery of healthcare services, the Union Minister emphasized on the digital health technologies initiatives that have significantly improved the management and prevention of NCDs. “The National NCD portal is being used for prevention, control, screening and management of common NCDs. Primary-level information is captured through this portal at public health facilities for reporting and monitoring individual-wise screening and compliance of treatment for NCDs. It also features a Single Longitudinal Health Record for every individual in the cloud, identified by a Unique Health ID (ABHA ID: Ayushman Bharat Health Account ID) which ensures data availability and continuum of care ensuring linkages in between the facilities”, she stated.

Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar concluded the session by repeating India’s dedicated commitment to the prevention and control of NCDs and expressing deep appreciation for the global efforts in this crucial domain. “In the spirit of ‘One Earth, One Health’, India emphasizes the need for nations to collaborate and share successes. It underscores the interconnectedness of global health, advocating for a collaborative approach where countries work together to collectively address the challenges posed by NCDs. This collaborative effort reflects the broader ethics of unity and shared responsibility for the well-being of our global community”, she stated.

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