Project to curb non-communicable diseases in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:  Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday launched comprehensive project for prevention and control of non communicable diseases in the state. The project being implemented by Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (STIMST) along with the help of various departments and schools, comes in the wake of concerns being raised about the growing non-communicable diseases in the state.

In fact Kerala accounts for highest incidence of diabetes, cancer, heart and lung ailments in the country. The chief minister said the first phase to be completed this year, would involve 250 panchayats and 350 schools. “Selected students from 8th to 12th standard will participate in each districts for the project. As part of the project a survey is currently going on in the state to find out the prevalence of life style diseases. A similar survey will be conducted five years later,” Pinarayi Vijayan said. 

The WHO has recommended life style diseases survey once in every five years. The project will cover 20 pc population in each of the 14 districts. The duration of the study is for five years during which almost entire population would be screened under the project. According to SCTIMST doctors, the study being carried out as part of the project, is aimed at laying a road map for the prevention and control of non communicable diseases and reducing risk factors.

School children, a cross section of society, village panchayats and various departments would be involved in a big way in the survey, which is currently being carried out by Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies. Over 5,000 persons will be directly involved in the massive project besides the faculty of Achutha Menon Study Centre. Till now Achutha Menon Centre had been concentrating on research programmes. But the centre has now turned into an implementing agency. Sources said close to Rs 5 crore would be spent on the study.