According to a study conducted by the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR-NCDIR), Bengaluru, Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in India are comparatively better equipped to handle diabetes and hypertension management than Sub-Centres, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Sub-District Hospitals.
About the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR)
The National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, functions as a permanent institute under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which operates autonomously under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
NCDIR stands out as a unique institution dedicated to incorporating information science into health research. Its primary objective is to establish and maintain a comprehensive national database related to cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and stroke. This is achieved through the use of cutting-edge electronic information technology and a collaborative national network.
The centre engages in etiological, epidemiological, clinical, and control research, working in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and various central and state agencies. It plays a crucial role in offering baseline data, and technical guidance in the planning, monitoring, and assessment of disease control programmes.
Additionally, NCDIR supports medical institutions—including those under the central, state, regional, or private sectors—in developing data collection systems that follow globally recognized and nationally viable standards. Emphasis is placed on the use of internet-based platforms and electronic information networks for efficient data handling.
The centre also focuses on the innovation and integration of modern communication tools and information technology to advance the field of disease informatics. It is actively involved in designing software solutions for effective data collection, validation, and analysis.