GS2 – Social Sector
Context
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory encouraging workplaces to display informative boards about the adverse health effects of hidden fats and excessive sugar in food items. This move falls under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).
Objective:
The aim is to curb obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, which together account for over 60% of deaths in India, by encouraging behavioural changes in dietary habits.
Key Highlights
- Dietary Awareness: Advocates for the inclusion of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat options in daily meals.
- Physical Wellness: Promotes the use of stairs and brief physical activities during work hours.
- Healthy Workplaces: Recommends setting up health information boards and creating walkable office environments.
About NP-NCD
- Scheme Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the National Health Mission (NHM).
- Launch & Expansion: Introduced in 2010 as NPCDCS, and expanded in 2023 to cover a broader spectrum of NCDs.
- Scope: Addresses cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, renal and liver disorders, and mental health.
- Service Levels: Services span Wellness Centres, PHCs, CHCs, and District Hospitals.
- Digital Shift: In 2023, the program’s digital portal was rebranded as the National NCD Portal, reflecting expanded capabilities.