Establishment of NCD clinics/units in Puducherry, India

Objectives

India accounts for more than 20 % of the global burden of diabetes. Impressive advance has occurred in addressing communicable diseases, such as significant progress towards polio eradication. However, rapid changes in India’s society and lifestyles have led to the emergence of non-communicable diseases (NCD), which are already responsible for two thirds of the total morbidity burden and about half of total deaths. According to a World Bank report from 2010 India is losing more than 6 % of its GDP annually due to premature deaths and preventable illness. More than 70 % of expenditure on health is out-of pocket expenditure and a majority at point of service. Though both out-of pocket and public expenditures on health are rising India remains among the five countries with the lowest public health spending level in the world.


The goal of this project is to improve prevention and care of non-communicable diseases in the Union Territory of Puducherry through establishment of NCD clinics and development of guidelines on essential NCD care.

Approach

This project will change the awareness, attitude and perceptions amongst the physicians and non-physician health care providers in the Union Territory of Puducherry. The focus is on screening, control, management and prevention of diabetes, CVD and stroke.

To reach the goal the project will establish NCD clinics/units for Diabetes, Hypertension and CVD in established health centres. The clinics will screen, identify, offer optimal care, and create awareness on NCDs and their prevention. The new clinics will also serve to carry out a baseline evaluation of knowledge, attitudes and practices of the health care professionals.

To use in the clinics, appropriate minimal care guidelines for diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease will be developed. There will be developed two set of guidelines; one for doctors and one for other health care providers. Focus of the guidelines will be on simple measures, appropriate care and preventive aspects at local village, community and workplace level.

A total of 40 trainers will be trained according to the guidelines and the burden of NCDs in the area. The trainers will train a total of almost 700 health care professionals from the clinics. Their training will consist of three day seminar/workshop. Furthermore, a total of 100 school teachers and 6,000 students from 25 schools in the area will be trained. A separate set of guidelines on diet, physical activities, tobacco and alcohol use will be developed. Training will be held at the JIPMER site and in the clinics.

The project is in line with the Government of India’s National Programme for Prevention and Control for Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease and Stroke, and if successfully implemented will become a role model for the National Programme.

Results at completion

- 18 clinics established or strengthened
- Capacity building in 420 physicians and 180 nurses
- Awareness created in all health care providers in 18 health institutions
- Awareness created among 367 teachers and 5120 school students