Non-Communicable Diseases– Scope for Health Promotion in India

Non-communicable Diseases– Scope for Health Promotion in India 

Madhumita Dobe, Subhasis Bhandari

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND

Following epidemiological transition, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 53% of all deaths in India with nearly half of them due to cardiovascular diseases. The country is yet to implement strategies for prevention and control of NCDs. Poor awareness about the magnitude of the problem, lack of orientation, competence and capacity of health manpower, poor advocacy efforts and lack of active community participation have added to poor political commitment for NCD prevention of the state.

OBJECTIVES:

To formulate health promotional strategies for prevention of NCD in the Indian context.

METHODS:

Review of policy documents, declarations, directives, recommendations and outcomes of meetings on NCD prevention at national and international level.

RESULTS:

The key strategies necessary for health promotion towards NCD prvention and control in India include (i) formulation & implementation of healthy public policies through expansion and harmonization of bans on tobacco and alcohol advertisements to reduce demand; escalation of taxation on tobacco and alcohol to reduce consumption; strengthening anti-smuggling measures; standardization and mandating food labeling policy to improve knowledge and awareness of food composition; (ii) reorientation of health services through establishment of health technology assessment institutions; improve staffing and skills of human resources through education and training; establishment of nationwide NCD surveillance system to provide data for future planning of interventions; and (iii) strengthen community action through raised awareness and community empowerment for changing modifiable behaviors.

CONCLUSION:

Urgent scaling up of advocacy and regulatory enforcement especially ban on smoking at public places and surrogate alcohol advertisements and Labelling and marketing restrictions for unhealthy foods.Other priorities for NCD prevention include – Promotion of Physical activity at workplaces, schools and community, and Provision of healthy food alternatives.

Total Words : 275