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?
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- 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:
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- 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:
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- 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.
