19 July, 2016

25% Indians at risk of premature death from non-communicable diseases: WHO

NEW DELHI: Premature deaths from cancer, heart disease,diabetes and lung diseases have jumped to 70 per cent of all global deaths in 2015 from 42 per cent three years ago (in 2012), posing a major threat to sustainable development of nations, says WHO's latest assessment on non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In India, one in four risk dying from NCDs before reaching 70 years of age, representing the largest cause of death.

The UN agency's report highlights the need to intensify national action to meet the global targets governments have agreed in order to protect their people from NCDs. The Sustainable Development Goals agenda includes a target to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by 30 per cent by 2030. Cancer, diabetes and heart diseases account for 55 per cent of the premature mortality in India in the age group of 30-69 years.

To control the incidence and mortality from these diseases, the health ministry had introduced National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke in 2008. The programme was rolled out in around 100 districts in 2010 and have now been approved in over 500 districts across the country. Under the programme, over 300 districts have also got dedicated NCD clinics, whereas around 80-85 cardiac clinics have been started across the country. The ministry has also started retail stores like AMRIT to make cancer and cardiovascular drugs available at a heavily discounted price. India is also the first country to develop specific national targets and indicators aimed at reducing the number of premature deaths from NCDs by 25 per cent by 2025.

In line with WHO's global action plan, the health ministry has developed a National Multisectoral Action Plan outlining actions that can be initiated by various other ministries in addition to health to reduce the NCD burden. For instance, it suggests various taxation interventions by the finance ministry.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

19.07.2016

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