146th WHO EB Agenda item 7.2: Political declaration of the third high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of NCDs (Follow-up to the high level meetings of UNGA) – Delivered by Dr. Sadre Alam, First Secretary
Thank you Mr. Chair,
India is fully conscious that burden of non-communicable diseases in the total disease burden has increased globally and has emerged as a major challenge to the health system.
Mr. Chair,
As NCDs are largely lifestyle related diseases, preventive and promotive health care orientation is being stressed under Ayushman Bharat. We have started population level intervention for prevention, screening, control and management of NCDs and also provide health insurance coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 500 million poor and vulnerable citizens. A National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Strokes is being implemented under the National Health Mission along with strengthening of primary, secondary and tertiary care facilities for NCDs.
Mr. Chair,
Eat Right India movement and Fit India movement have been initiated to promote healthy living. To mitigate risk NCDs from indoor pollution, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, successful initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and Ujala scheme have been implemented for clean and energy efficient options besides other measures to mitigate air pollution.
Mr. Chair,
Under National Mental Health Program, we are addressing the increasing burden of mental, neurological and substance use disorders. The program has added components of counselling in schools and colleges, work place stress management, life skills education, suicide prevention services, provision of psychotropic drugs, training of non-specialist healthcare personnel and IEC activities.
Since, there is a need for greater interaction and sharing of experiences and knowledge among countries and other stakeholders, Global efforts to address the challenge must be driven by strong and strategic leadership, cost effective interventions and multi-sectoral approach.
Thank you.
