With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) expected to rise in years to come, the Planning Commission, in its proposed health chapter for the 12th Plan, has recommended a package of policy interventions for the escalating threat of NCDs like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases which will emerge as major killers.
The experts have proposed interventions like raising taxes on tobacco, salt reduction in processed foods, early detection and effective control of high blood pressure, diabetes, screening for common and treatable cancers etc. for the next plan period. “Major thrust will be given to NCDs commensurate to the magnitude of the problem and its economic interventions,” says the document. The experts have proposed interventions and expansions of all primary, secondary and tertiary care.
The Planning Commission has called for legislation which may reduce the impact of these diseases. With an aim to control tobacco consumption, the experts have suggested legislation for clean indoor air, ban on tobacco advertising etc. The expe-rts also recommended a separate legislation to reduce salt in processed food. The panel has said that tertiary care for NCD treatment will be strengthened with upgradation of existing cancer institutions to state-level state-of-the-art apex institutions capable of dealing with all complications. The district hospitals will be strengthened to cater to growing number and large range of NCD patients, including day care chemotherapy.
For the problems related to mental health, experts say they would be managed with sensitivity at community level through better training of community workers and primary care teams and through education of care givers.
Mainstreaming of NCD prevention and control has been suggested to be emphasised in other ministries as well.