Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Context: The Union Health Ministry launched a nationwide campaign to screen individuals aged 30 and above for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and common cancers like oral, breast, and cervical cancer.

About Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs):

• What are NCDs?

• Chronic medical conditions that are not transmitted from person to person. Often caused by lifestyle factors, genetic predisposition, or environmental influences.

• Chronic medical conditions that are not transmitted from person to person.

• Often caused by lifestyle factors, genetic predisposition, or environmental influences.

• Types of NCDs:

• Impacts of NCDs:

• Health Burden: Account for 63% of all deaths in India (WHO, 2018). Economic Burden: High healthcare costs and productivity losses. Quality of Life: Reduced life expectancy and increased disability.

• Health Burden: Account for 63% of all deaths in India (WHO, 2018).

• Economic Burden: High healthcare costs and productivity losses.

• Quality of Life: Reduced life expectancy and increased disability.

• Campaign Features:

• Coverage: Targets 100% screening of individuals aged 30+ across 1.6 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs). Methods: Door-to-door outreach by ASHAs, ANMs, and frontline workers. Tools: BP monitors, glucometers, and essential medications. Monitoring: Real-time data upload on the NP-NCD portal for transparency. Focus: Early detection, treatment, and follow-up for diabetes, hypertension, and cancers.

• Coverage: Targets 100% screening of individuals aged 30+ across 1.6 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs).

• Methods: Door-to-door outreach by ASHAs, ANMs, and frontline workers.

• Tools: BP monitors, glucometers, and essential medications.

• Monitoring: Real-time data upload on the NP-NCD portal for transparency.

• Focus: Early detection, treatment, and follow-up for diabetes, hypertension, and cancers.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper II (Health): Government policies and interventions for health, NCD burden, and preventive healthcare.

• GS Paper III (Economy): Economic impact of NCDs and healthcare costs.

• GS Paper II (Governance): Role of ASHAs, ANMs, and digital monitoring in public health campaigns.