Special programme for non-communicable diseases

The central government has established clinics for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in 152 districts and cardiac care units in 65 districts of the country as part of a special programme, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

While NCD clinics have been established in 152 districts, NCD cells have been established in 147 districts and cardiac care units have been set up in 65 districts.

The government launched a National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardio-vascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) in July, 2010 in 100 districts of 21 states, union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said in a written reply.

Under the NPCDCS programme, one time support for providing necessary equipments for laboratories at the rate of Rs.8 lakh per NCD clinic in Community Health Centres (CHC) and Rs.10 lakh per NCD clinic in districts hospital is provided.

From 2013-14, the programme has been brought under the umbrella of National Health Mission (NHM) and expanded to cover more districts in all states and union territories, the minister said.

During the 12th plan, the activities under the programme include strengthening of health infrastructure by setting up of NCD clinics, providing necessary manpower for programme activities, health promotion activities, screening, early diagnosis, treatment and referral of patients suffering from these diseases through public health delivery system.

The central government, through its hospitals, including All India Institute of Medical Sciences, (AIIMS), Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Delhi, Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi and Lady Hardinge Medical College augments the efforts of the state governments for providing health services in the country.