Health Minister Focuses on Non-Communicable Disease Management in Telangana
Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narsimha has directed officials to take steps to better manage Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as blood pressure (BP) and diabetes. He suggested linking patients diagnosed with these conditions to NCD clinics in government hospitals. To streamline this process, the Minister emphasized the need to create a comprehensive list of patients at village, mandal, and district levels.
During a review meeting at the TGMSIDC office in Koti on Thursday, officials presented data from the recent NCD survey conducted in the state. Out of 1.66 crore individuals aged 30 and above who were screened, 22.94 lakh were found to have high blood pressure, and 11.9 lakh were identified as diabetic. The Minister stressed the importance of ensuring these patients receive regular treatment and support.
The Health Minister urged officials to raise awareness about the free medical services available at NCD clinics. He recommended educating patients about lifestyle changes and precautions needed to manage chronic conditions like BP and diabetes. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of explaining the potential long-term health risks if these conditions are left untreated.
To ensure patients stay consistent with their treatment, the Minister called for regular follow-ups. He also suggested leveraging mobile phones to provide patients with information and reminders about their medication and lifestyle adjustments. Awareness programs should be conducted frequently to educate communities about managing these diseases effectively.
Raja Narsimha assured that necessary medicines are being provided free of cost at government hospitals. He also asked officials to continue the ongoing NCD survey, updating the patient database as new individuals are diagnosed. Furthermore, he inquired about the availability of equipment, medicines, and staff attendance in government hospitals, emphasizing the need to address any gaps in resources.
By strengthening efforts to manage NCDs, the Minister aims to improve the quality of life for patients while preventing complications from these chronic diseases.
