The Fact News Service
Chandigarh, February 21
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Thursday, launched a population-based initiative for the prevention, control and screening of common non-communicable diseases (NCDs), across the state.
Under the drive, Dr Balbir Singh informed that persons over 30 years of age are being targeted for their screening for the common NCDs including Diabetes, Hypertension and three common cancers— oral, breast, and cervical. Screening for these common NCDs and cancers is an integral part of service delivery under the National Program for Control of Non-Communicable diseases, he said.
He said that screening will be done at Primary Health Centres, Aam Aadmi Clinics/Ayushman Arogya Kendras, Community Health Centres, District Hospitals, Sub-division hospitals in both rural and urban areas by trained healthcare workers including ASHA, ANM, and MPWs, he added.
The Health Minister said that today’s launch is in concurrence with the nationwide launch of screening program targeting individuals aged 30 and above, focusing on early detection of common NCDs through population-based screening at primary healthcare facilities. This campaign will conclude on March 31.
Addressing virtually during the launch event held at village Saini Majra in health block Boothgarh of district SAS Nagar of the campaign, Dr Balbir Singh said that the aim of this special campaign is to ensure the well-being of the citizens by conducting screening for early diagnosis and ensuring timely treatment of non-communicable diseases. He emphasised that non-communicable diseases are generally long-term diseases which take time to recover, and continuous and timely screening of such diseases is very crucial.
He also highlighted the need for accurate data collection, ensuring detailed online records of all screened patients to monitor disease prevalence and tailor interventions effectively. Seeking co-operation from the people for the success of the campaign, he appealed to them to take maximum advantage of the initiative and get themselves screened.
The virtual inaugural ceremony was attended by Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, MD NHM Ghanshyam Thori, Civil Surgeon Mohali Dr Sangeeta Jain, Assistant Director cum State Program Officer NP-NCD Dr Gagandeep Singh Grover, PO Dr Ashu.
