Free test for non-communicable diseases launched

By A Staff Reporter 

Kathmandu, Pokhara Feb.14: The Ministry of Health Population has launched a month-long nation-wide screening campaign on Thursday to identify and provide timely treatment for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). 

The campaign was simultaneously launched in all provinces with the slogan “Let’s test for non-communicable diseases in time, live a healthy and long life.” 

The month-long campaign aims to raise awareness about the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the country, offering free testing for hypertension, diabetes, renal function, and body mass index measurement at local government-run health facilities.

Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, has appealed to all for the success of the free screening campaign against non-communicable diseases. 

Inaugurating the campaign in Pokhara by giving his blood for blood pressure and diabetes tests, Minister Paudel said, “The prevalence of non-communicable diseases has increased to such an extent that, if we do not advance preventive measures strategically, it will be impossible to sustain treatment services.”

He said that regular tests for diabetes, blood pressure, and kidney function would help in early diagnosis and prevention of diseases. He announced the goal of involving 13 million Nepalis above the age of 30 in this campaign.

Similarly, he issued a message highlighting that nearly three-quarters of deaths in Nepal are caused by non-communicable diseases, further complicated by climate change and rapid urbanisation.

Stating that after realising the need to organise health promotion, preventive, and curative services at the local level through community participation, Minister Paudel said he has included curative services in his publicly announced plans and priorities, along with a preventive approach. 

He said this was aimed at protecting citizens from the vicious cycle of diseases as much as possible.

“We are making every effort to improve the quality of services and treatments at our health institutions,” he said, adding, “Simultaneously, through preventive methods such as basic health check-ups and awareness among citizens, we aim to prevent diseases as much as possible and ensuring timely treatment when necessary to safeguard the health of citizens as well as the financial resources of both the citizens and the state.”

This campaign, targeting citizens aged over 30 years of age residing in Nepal and would be conducted throughout the month at local government-run health institutions to identify and manage diabetes, high blood pressure, renal function and the body mass index in a timely manner.

The ministry has committed to continuing this campaign annually. Minister Paudel also urged everyone to join hands in reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases in Nepal and ensuring access to healthcare services for all.

Spokesperson for the Ministry, Dr. Prakash Budathoki said that the campaign aims to provide citizens with information about their health conditions through free screenings for non-communicable diseases at local-level health institutions across the country. 

The campaign also aims to encourage treatment if complications are detected, with the expectation that it will also contribute to health policy formulation, he added. 

Inaugurating the campaign in Kathmandu, Director of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Dr. Yaduchandra Ghimire said, lately the number of people falling ill and dying due to non-communicable diseases has been increasing in Nepal. A 2019 study by the Nepal Health Research Council found that non-communicable diseases accounted for 71 per cent of total deaths.

Dr. Ghimire said, “Approximately three-quarters, or 71 per cent (127,553) of deaths in Nepal are caused by non-communicable diseases.”

The rising problem of non-communicable diseases in Nepal is due to various factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, increasing urbanisation, changing population ratios, and climate change, he added, 

A study showed that one in every four adults has high blood pressure, he said, adding, “Without timely identification and treatment, complications arising from high blood pressure, such as strokes, heart attacks, chronic kidney diseases, etc., result in significant financial burdens for individuals, families, and the state, as well as premature deaths of patients.”

Health Secretary Dr. Roshan Pokharel urged everyone to take care of their health. He suggested taking this opportunity to get tested and ensure one’s well-being. According to the ministry, free testing will be conducted for all individuals aged above 30 years at local government-run health institutions. 

The Ministry is also preparing to launch a similar screening campaign against cervical cancer from mid-February to mid-March.

Meanwhile, Minister for Health and Population of Madhes Province Shatrudhan Prasad Singh inaugurated the campaign amid a function held at the premises of Public Health Laboratory in Janakpurdham.