Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated that total deaths in the country was 61.8 per cent in 2016, as compared to 37.9 per cent in 1990 due to NCDs in Rajya Sabha
According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report entitled “India: Health of the Nation’s States”, contribution of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to total deaths in the country was 61.8 per cent in 2016, as compared to 37.9 per cent in 1990. Tuberculosis is a communicable disease.
In the states of Kerala, Goa and Tamil Nadu, due to epidemiological transition, fewer deaths are recorded for communicable, maternal, neonatal and nutritional diseases, thereby raising share of NCDs in total deaths.
Risk factors for NCDs inter alia include ageing, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol and overweight.
Though public health is a state subject, central government supplements the efforts of the state governments. National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) is being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM). The objectives of the programme include health promotion activities and opportunistic screening for common non communicable diseases (NCDs) including cancer.
Population based screening of common NCDs, i.e. diabetes, hypertension and cancers (oral, breast and cervical cancer) has also been initiated under National Health Mission (NHM). Key components of population based screening include community based risk assessment, screening, referral, and follow up of all individuals of 30 years and above for common NCDs (hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer). The initiative will help in early diagnosis and will generate awareness on risk factors of NCDs.
To enhance the facilities for tertiary care of cancer, the central government is implementing Strengthening of Tertiary Care Cancer facilities scheme to support setting up of State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and Tertiary Care Centres (TCCC) in different parts of the country.
Oncology in its various aspects has focus in case of new AIIMS and many upgraded institutions under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksh Yojna (PMSSY).
Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Deendayal outlets have been opened at 159 institutions/hospitals with an objective to make available cancer and cardiovascular diseases drugs and implants at discounted prices to the patients. Jan Aushadhi stores are set up by Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide generic medicines at affordable prices.
The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.