Govt ties up with Abbot to combat non-communicable diseases

An integrated health management programme to combat non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension and thyroid disorders, will be implemented over the next three years by the government in partnership with Abbott, a health care company.
Over seven lakh people of Puducherry will be screened and monitored for the non-communicable diseases during the next three years under the programme.
A memorandum of understanding was inked today for the three-year project which would improve awareness of NCDs and implement the initiatives to fight the ailments.
Under the initiative, those above 30 would be screened for the NCDs.
Director of Health and Family Welfare services Dr K V Raman and Senior Director Global Integrated Health Abbott Vivek Mohan signed the documents in the presence of Chief Minister N Rangasamy, a release said.

"This was the first of its kind public private partnership to screen and monitor seven lakh people in Puducherry in the next three years," Mohan said.

The initiative was aimed at reaching out the people and building the skills of local health care providers through continued medical education.
The government will provide infrastructural facilities and necessary permission and logistical arrangements in the Union Territory to run the project while Abbott on its part would provide subsidised diagnostics, educational support to health providers and patient awareness material.
The company will supply kits to measure blood pressure, body mass index and blood glucose. Around 1.5 lakh glucose test strips free of cost would help monitoring of diabetes.