E-Paper
50,000 diabetes patients identified under Mukhyamantri Nirog Yojana in Himachal Pradesh
Under the Mukhyamantri Nirog Yojana, the Himachal Pradesh government has identified 50,000 diabetes patients across the state
The Himachal Pradesh government has identified 50,000 diabetic patients across the state. A spokesperson said the state government had started the Mukhyamantri Nirog Yojana for the annual screening of the population above 18 years of age in the state. He said 10 “Nirog” clinics had been established across the state in 2021-2021 at hospitals in Bilaspur, Dharamshala, Recong Peo, Kullu, Mandi, RH Solan, Una, Rampur, Palampur and Paonta Sahib. In these clinics, trained doctors, staff nurses and support staff are screening people for non-communicable diseases and are also providing referrals.
The government spokesperson said that under this scheme, the risk assessment of nearly 24 lakh individuals (56%) has been done. Furthermore, 8.5 lakh individuals have been screened for non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension and cancer, beneath the ambit of this scheme
He said the Indian Council of Medical Research study has revealed that the prevalence of diabetes in Himachal Pradesh is 11.5%, which is higher than the national average of 9.8%. He added that about 50,000 diabetic patients have been identified under the scheme and are on follow up across the state.
The government spokesperson said to prevent people from developing the non-communicable disease, apart from the screening of the disease, frontline workers and ASHA counsel people to adopt a healthy diet, perform physical activity, avoid alcohol and tobacco and reduce weight. He added that timely medication and lifestyle measures can help in keeping blood glucose levels within acceptable limits and thus preventing diabetes in people.