National Non-Communicable Disease Monitoring Survey (NNMS)

The National Non-Communicable Disease Monitoring Survey (NNMS) was recently released in India by the Ministry of health. The survey was conducted for the period of 2017-18. This is the first of its kind of a comprehensive survey on NCDs. It covers the age groups of 15-69 years, males and females from the urban and rural areas.

Findings of the NNMS report

• The report highlights that, two in five adults have three or more risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCD) in India.
• Further, the status of health system to respond to the disease burden is underscored.
• It also states that more than one in every four adults and 6.2% adolescents were overweight or obese.
• Three out of ten adults had raised blood pressure.
• 3% had raised blood glucose.
• It also shows that more than two in five adults and one in four adolescents were doing insufficient physical activity. The average daily intake of salt was 8 gms for these children.
• One in every three adults and more than one-fourth proportion of men were involved in tobacco consumption and consumed alcohol in past 12 months.

About NNMS

It is the largest comprehensive national Survey on risk factors and health systems preparedness of non-communicable disease (NCD). It also provides framework on the use of telemedicine for cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, and stroke. The survey was conducted with the purpose of collecting the reliable baseline data on key indicators such as select NCDs, risk factors and health systems response related to the National NCD monitoring framework and its Action Plan. The survey also highlights the need of improving the comprehensive multi-sectoral approaches that focussed on both prevention and management of NCDs.

World Health Organisation (WHO) survey on NCDs

The WHO survey found that 45% of NCDs are caused due to physical inactivity.

Government Measures to tackle NCDs

The government launched the Fit India Movement that gained momentum to raise awareness. More gyms and exercise centers will also help inn reducing the need for hospital infrastructure. A Framework for Telemedicine use in Management of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in India was also released. Telemedicine comprising of the tele-consultation, tele-monitoring and tele-triage will help in building the continuum of care model for major NCDs.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2021