On July 2, 2019, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) released a report on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) titled “India: Health of the Nation’s States”. Total death in the country due to NCDs was 61.8% in 2016, as compared to 37.9% in 1990. Some examples of common NCDs are diabetes, hypertension, tuberculosis and cancers (Oral, Breast and Cervical cancer).
Key Points:
- Due to epidemiological transition fewer deaths were recorded for communicable, maternal, neonatal and nutritional diseases in the States of Kerala, Goa and Tamil Nadu.
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) was implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM) to reduce NCDs.
- Central Government has implemented 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 to increase the facilities for tertiary care of cancer.
- Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Deendayal outlets were opened at 159 Institutions/Hospitals to avail the Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases drugs at discounted prices to the patients.
- Jan Aushadhi stores were set up by the Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide generic medicines at affordable prices.
About epidemiological transition:
It is a process by which the pattern of mortality and disease is transformed from one of high mortalities among infants and children to one of degenerative and man-made diseases (such as those attributed to smoking) affecting principally the elderly.
About ICMR:
♦ Headquarters: New Delhi
♦ Founded: 1911
♦ Director General & Secretary: Professor Balram Bhargava