Important Facts For Prelims
National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCD
- 23 Dec 2024
- 5 min read
Why in News?
Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare highlighted the progress of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) across India.
What is the NP-NCD?
- About: The NP-NCD is aimed at addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer, and diabetes.
- These diseases have emerged as major public health concerns, contributing to approximately 63% of all deaths in India.
- Objectives: The primary goal of NP-NCD is to prevent and control major NCDs through infrastructure strengthening, human resource development, health promotion, and early diagnosis and management of diseases.
- Implementation: The program is implemented at national, state, and district, with financial support provided under the NCD Flexi-Pool through the National Health Mission (NHM).
- States receive financial aid to implement NCD-related activities at the district level and below, with a 60:40 Centre-State share (90:10 for North Eastern and hilly states).
- Key Components of NP-NCD:
- NCD Screening: Targeting individuals aged 30 years and above for screening of diabetes, hypertension, and common cancers such as oral, breast, and cervical cancer.
- NCD Clinics: Establishment of District NCD Clinics and Cardiac Care Units (CCUs), and Community Health Centre (CHC) NCD Clinics for early diagnosis, treatment, and emergency care.
- Cancer Care: Setting up Day Care Centres for cancer patients and supporting tertiary cancer care infrastructure.
- Training: Health workers like ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists), ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives), and Medical Officers are trained in early detection, management, and prevention of NCDs.
- Digital Integration: Use of the National NCD Portal and mobile applications to track and manage NCD data and screenings.
- Impact: Established 770 District NCD Clinics, 372 Day Care Centres, 233 CCUs, and around 6,410 CHC NCD Clinics for accessible NCD diagnosis and management.
- Implemented population-based screening for common NCDs as part of primary healthcare under NHM.
- ASHAs educate communities on NCD prevention, promote healthy habits, and stress early detection through screenings and check-ups.
Non-Communicable Diseases
- About: NCDs, also known as chronic diseases, are long-lasting conditions that are not transmitted from person to person.
- These diseases develop over a long period and are influenced by genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors.
- Risk Factors for NCDs: Tobacco use, excess salt, alcohol abuse, inactivity, raised blood pressure, obesity, high blood lipids, and air pollution.
- Impact: NCDs account for 74% of global deaths, with over 15 million premature deaths annually (ages 30-69), 85% of which occur in low- and middle-income countries.
- Prevention and Control Strategies: Reduce tobacco, alcohol use, promote exercise, healthy diets, and better air quality. Early screening, primary care, and universal health coverage can improve outcomes and reduce costs.
- WHO Response: The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Action Plan for NCDs to 2030 includes an Implementation Roadmap to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target 3.4, aiming to reduce premature NCD deaths by one-third.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use? (2014)
- They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
- They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
Exp:
- Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) are mixtures of man-made chemicals that are added to a wide variety of products, to make them less flammable. They are commonly used in plastics, textiles and electrical/ electronic equipments.
- The BFRs are highly resistant to degradation in natural environment. Hence, 1 is correct.
- BFRs can be accumulated in humans and animals and can cause diabetes, neurobehavioral and developmental disorders, cancer, reproductive health effects and alteration in thyroid function. Hence, 2 is correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer
