According to International Diabetes Federation, India has 63 million people living with diabetes in the year 2012 and is only second to China. Government of India launched National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) in July, 2010 with the aim to prevent and control these diseases thorough awareness generation, behaviour and life-style changes, early diagnosis of persons with high levels of risk factors. During the 11th Five Year Plan, the focus was on 100 districts in 21 states for prevention and control of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and stroke. In the 12th Five Year Plan, the programme has been expanded to all the states in the country. While health is a State subject, the Central Government supplements the efforts of the state governments for improving healthcare. Facilities including those for testing and treatment for diabetes are provided in various Government Institutions. In addition, under NPCDCS, diagnosis and treatment facilities are provided through different levels of healthcare including NCD Clinics located in District Hospitals and Community Health Centres (CHCs). ICMR is supporting research for development of low cost diabetes diagnostic tools. The Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.
