Widening and Renaming of NCD Control Program: MoHFW’s New Initiative to Tackle Growing Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases in India

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in India has announced a new initiative to widen and rename its program for the control and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This decision comes in response to the growing number of diseases and health initiatives that have emerged in recent years. The initiative seeks to address the increasing prevalence of NCDs among the population, particularly those aged above 30 years.As part of this initiative, the MoHFW will also be renaming its portal that enables population enumeration, risk assessment, and screening for five common NCDs, including hypertension, diabetes, and oral, breast and cervical cancers. This portal will now be known as the “National Non-Communicable Diseases Monitoring Survey and Screening” portal.Non-communicable diseases are chronic conditions that are not caused by infectious agents, but rather by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. These diseases, which include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases, are now the leading cause of death worldwide. In India, NCDs account for nearly 60% of all deaths, with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes being the most prevalent.The MoHFW has been implementing a program for the control and prevention of NCDs since 2010. The program aims to reduce the burden of NCDs by promoting healthy lifestyles, improving access to healthcare, and strengthening healthcare systems. The program has achieved some success in reducing the prevalence of NCDs, but much more needs to be done.The new initiative to widen and rename the program for the control and prevention of NCDs is a step in the right direction. By expanding the program to include more diseases and health initiatives, the MoHFW will be better equipped to tackle the growing burden of NCDs. The renaming of the portal will also make it more accessible and user-friendly, enabling more people to benefit from the services it offers.The National Non-Communicable Diseases Monitoring Survey and Screening portal will enable population enumeration, risk assessment, and screening for a range of NCDs. The portal will be a valuable tool for healthcare providers and policymakers, providing them with valuable data on the prevalence of NCDs and the risk factors associated with them. This information can be used to develop targeted interventions and policies to prevent and control NCDs. In conclusion, the new initiative to widen and rename the program for the control and prevention of NCDs is a positive step towards addressing the growing burden of NCDs in India. By expanding the program and renaming the portal, the MoHFW will be better equipped to tackle the challenges posed by NCDs. However, much more needs to be done to promote healthy lifestyles, improve access to healthcare, and strengthen healthcare systems. By working together, healthcare providers, policymakers, and individuals can make a significant impact in reducing the burden of NCDs in India.