Question : REPORT ON NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

(a) whether the Government has taken note of the first global status report of the World Health Organisation (WHO) which states that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) cost India 9 billion dollars in 2005;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the facts in this regard;

(c) the reasons for the high prevalence of NCDs which has renedered a number of patients impoverished on account of distress borrowing and distress selling of assets in the country;

(d) whether the policy on Non-communicable diseases in the country was reviewed recently;

(e) if so, the details and the outcome thereof; and

(f) the follow-up action taken/proposed by the Government to control the rising cases of NCDs and provide affordable and cost effective treatment to the patients?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a)to(f): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 351 FOR 26TH AUGUST, 2011

(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. Government has taken note of the World Health Organisation (WHO) report on the Global Status on Non-communicable disease, 2010. The estimated loss in National Income from Heart Disease, Stroke and Diabetes in India in the year 2005 was about 9 billion US Dollars.

(c) Unhealthy lifestyle is major reason for increase in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The four major risk factors which are directly or indirectly associated with the causation of chronic non-communicable disease are as follows:-

(i) Tobacco use (smoking & chewing)

(ii) Alcohol use

(iii) Physical inactivity

(iv) Unhealthy diet.

In addition to above, urbanization and longevity has been associated with increase in NCDs.

(d) to (f): Government of India has reviewed the ongoing programmes of NCDs in 2010 and launched a new integrated programme, the national programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) in the 100 selected districts in 21 States. There is a proposal to cover the entire country under this Programme during the 12th Five Year Plan.

The Central Government has also initiated health check up for hypertension and diabetes in urban slums in 7 selected metro cities namely Delhi, Kolkata, Bangaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. The population above 30 years of age and pregnant women of all ages would undergo this health check up. Glucometer, Glucostrips and Lancets have been provided from the centre while the manpower and other logistics would be taken care by the respective municipalities and State Governments.