Question : World Diabetes Day

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government observed World Diabetes Day, 2019 recently and if so, the details thereof along with the theme of the event and initiatives taken by the Government to make the event successful;

(b) whether the Government has fixed any target to control Diabetes in the country and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the number of people affected by Diabetes during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise along with the reasons for rise in the cases of Diabetes among youth;

(d) whether the Government proposes to provide free medical treatment to the diabetic patients of urban and rural areas and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) whether the Government has developed any indigenous system of medicine for prevention of diabetes and if so, the details thereof and the other steps being taken by the Government to prevent and treat diabetes in the country?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) to (e): World Diabetes Day is observed on 14th November of each year. This is observed by various Governmental institutions, academic and professional organizations. Campaigns through social media on awareness generation about risk factors of diabetes, healthy lifestyle and need for early detection are undertaken by the Government on this occasion. Camps for awareness generation and screening of population for common Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including Diabetes are also organized at India International Trade Fair.

India aims to halt rise in prevalence of diabetes by 2025. As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study namely ICMR-INDIAB, State/UT-wise prevalence of Diabetes in 15 States / UTs covered under the study is at Annexure. The factors responsible for increase in Diabetes are unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, harmful use of alcohol, over-weight/obesity, tobacco use etc.


Public health and hospitals is a state subject. The Central government however supplements efforts to the state Governments. Government of India is implementing National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke(NPCDCS) for interventions upto district level under the National Health Mission(NHM). Treatment for diabetes is also available in tertiary level health facilities run by the Central and State Governments.

A population level initiative of prevention, control and screening for common NCDs (diabetes, hypertension and common cancers viz. oral, breast and cervical cancer) has also been rolled out under NHM, as a part of comprehensive primary healthcare. Under this initiative, frontline health workers such as Accredited Social Health Activists and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, inter alia, are leveraged to carry out screening and generate awareness about the risk factors of NCDs including diabetes among the masses. The initiative is under implementation in over 215 districts across the country. Screening for common NCDs is also a integral part of service delivery under Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres.
In collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, an initiative to use the knowledge available in AYUSH system of medicines for prevention and control of Non-communicable Diseases is also being implemented in 6 districts on pilot basis.

The treatment in Government Hospitals is either free or highly subsidized for the poor and needy. Under National Health Mission Free Drugs and Free Diagnostic initiative, essential drugs and diagnostics are provided free of cost in public health facilities.
Quality generic medicines are being made available at affordable prices to all, under ‘Jan Aushadhi Scheme’, in collaboration with the State Governments. Also, 169 AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) stores have been set up in hospitals, where essential life-saving medicines are being provided at a substantial discount vis-à-vis the Maximum Retail Price.