The Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) has started a systematic, ongoing campaign of screening of general public above 30 years of age for non-communicable diseases i.e. diabetes and hypertension under National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, CVD and Stroke (NPCDCS).
It has been documented that the Non Communicable diseases are on rise all over the country. More alarming and less well-known is the fact that half of the patients suffering from diabetes do not know that they are suffering from the condition. A substantial number of patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes already have evidence of micro-vascular complications like visual impairment, kidney disease and heart disease. The purpose of screening is to identify asymptomatic individuals who are likely to have diabetes/ hypertension or both so that treatment can be initiated promptly and complications are reduced. Separate diagnostic tests are required after a positive screening test to establish a definitive diagnosis.
In this regard, a total of 1,08,505 people were screened this year in Kashmir Division till date and out of these 21.7% have been found to have hypertension and 10.42% were suspect diabetics. The subjects are screened for hypertension, raised blood sugar and history of tobacco use is also documented. Individuals with a high BP or raised blood sugar are referred to the nearest health facility where further diagnostics tests and specialist services are available. Populations across Kashmir Division were screened especially in far-flung and under privileged areas like Lolab, Ring BalaMachil, Divar, Waltengoo, Frisal, D.K Marg , Lammar ,Boat Man Colony Bemina,Central Jail Srinagar, Police Lines Kulgam, Gurez and Tanghdar.
The campaign is being conducted and monitored by Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, Barzulla under the aegis of Directorate of Health Services Kashmirin collaboration withDistrict Health Administrators and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Cells of respective districts.
Director Health Services, Kashmir Dr Saleemur Rehman has valued the efforts of health officer/officials who have worked with commitment to organize screening camps across the Kashmir Division.
REFERENCE:
Dec 24 2016.Diabetes, Hypertension on rise in Kashmir: DHSK.Greater Kashmir.retrieved from
http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/health/diabetes-hypertension-on-rise-in-kashmir-dhsk/236986.html
