National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke(NPCDCS)
Source: National Health Portal & Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Background
The country is experiencing a rapid health transition with a rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) which are emerging as the leading cause of death in India accounting for over 42% of all deaths with considerable loss in potentially productive years (aged 35-64 years) of life. According to a WHO report (2002), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) will be the largest cause of death and disability in India by 2020.
About NPCDCS
- Considering the rising burden of NCDs and common risk factors to major Chronic Non –Communicable Diseases, Government of India initiated an integrated National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) under the National Health Mission.
- The focus of the Programme is on health promotion and prevention, strengthening of infrastructure including human resources, early diagnosis and management and integration with the primary health care system through NCD cells at different levels for optimal operational synergies.
- The NPCDCS program has two components viz. (i) Cancer (ii) Diabetes, CVDs and Stroke. These two components have been integrated at different levels as far as possible for optimal utilization of the resources. The activities at State, Districts, CHC and Sub Centre level have been planned under the programme and will be closely monitored through NCD cell at different levels.
- During the period 2010 – 2012, the programme was implemented in 100 districts across 21 States. The programme at present covers the entire country.
Objectives of NPCDCS
- Health promotion through behavior change with involvement of community, civil society, community based organizations, media etc.
- Outreach Camps for opportunistic screening at all levels in the healthcare delivery system from sub-centre and above for early detection of diabetes, hypertension and common cancers.
- Management of chronic Non-Communicable diseases, especially Cancer, Diabetes, CVDs and Stroke through early diagnosis, treatment and follow up through setting up of NCD clinics.
- Build capacity at various levels of health care for prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, IEC/BCC, operational research and rehabilitation.
- Provide support for diagnosis and cost effective treatment at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of health care.
- Provide support for development of database of NCDs through a robust Surveillance System and to monitor NCD morbidity, mortality and risk factors.
