India may turn into diabetes hub, warns Azad

With incidence of diabetes assuming alarming proportions in the country, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said a programme for effective control of the disease would be launched soon.

With incidence of diabetes assuming alarming proportions in the country, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday said a programme for effective control of the disease would be launched soon.

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"Diabetes proves to be a hurdle in treatment of other diseases. Under the diabetes control programme, all Indians will have the opportunity to undergo diagnostic tests for the disease in the next two years," Azad said addressing a gathering after inaugurating a health camp organised by Congress MP from Mumbai North Sanjay Nirupam.

Stressing the need for greater impetus on healthcare, the minister warned India would become international hub of diabetes if its spread was not effectively checked.

Deploring neglect of healthcare in the country, Azad said, "Our thrust areas are still roads, power, water and irrigation, but what is the benefit of all these if the people for whom these are meant are not in good health."

Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, who was also present, said under the proposed health card scheme of the state government people below poverty line would get free of cost treatment for serious ailments of heart, kidney and even cancer upto Rs 2.5 lakh. He said adequate financial provisions for it has been made in the state budget.

Over 50,000 patients suffering from cancer, heart diseases, gynaecological and dental disorders would be treated at the three-day health camp organised by Nirupam.