Holding that the availability of low cost generic drugs were key to make the healthcare access affordable, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said the country has unfolded a three-pronged strategy to tackle the non-communicable diseases.
Inaugurating the three-day conference titled ‘Partners for Health in South-East Asia’ being organised by the World Health Organisation here on March 16, Azad said creating awareness, extending affordable treatment and taking preventive steps were the three aspects of the strategy to contain the non-communicable diseases which are increasingly on the rise in the country.
The Minister said the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPDCS) would cover 100 select backward districts this year itself. During the next Five Year Plan period, the programme would be extended to all the 640 districts in the country. Each district will be given fund and equipment required for the programme.
In the case of controlling Diabetes, he said a programme to screen 17 million adult population, aged above 35 years, and all pregnant women for diabetes. This year, it will be held in 100 selected districts.
The minister said Indian experience in containing the HIV was successful largely due to the availability of low cost generic medicines which are key to make the healthcare access affordable. “India has a strong pharma industry making available affordable generic drugs. We are trying to create a healthcare system which will be equitable, affordable and accessible,” he said.
The three-day conference is being held to strengthen regional collaboration for health and encourage effective and sustainable partnerships. Partners from the 11 Member States (Bangladesh, Bhutan, DPR Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor Leste) along with high-level representatives from donor countries, multilateral and intergovernmental organizations, civil society, foundations, corporations, and research/academic institutions are attending the meet which will come out with a Delhi declaration.