Hyderabad: Health minister Damodar Rajanarasimha on Monday directed officials to prioritise the control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). He emphasised the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate people about the risks associated with unhealthy lifestyles and the early signs of NCDs.
To address the increasing burden of NCDs, the minister, during a meeting with officials of the Aarogyasri Trust, proposed establishing NCD clinics, on the lines of mother and child healthcares.
These clinics will be set up in teaching hospitals initially and then expanded to district and area hospitals. They will be equipped with specialists and essential diagnostic equipment, including medicines for advanced treatment.
Rajanarsimha also inaugurated a five-bed dialysis centre at the Narsapur area hospital in Medak district, set up at a cost of `50 lakh. He also announced plans to establish an NCD centre, a special emergency services department, and trauma centres in the district.
He further emphasised the state government's commitment to providing free and quality healthcare services to all citizens by ensuring adequate infrastructure, doctors, staff, and medicines in all government hospitals.
Rajanarsimha stated that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, was prioritising education and health.
Among those present at the inaugural were legislator Sunitha Laxma Reddy, former MLA Madan Reddy, Narsapur constituency Congress incharge Avula Rajireddy, district medical and health officer (DMH) Dr Sriram, Deputy DMHO Dr Sujana, and hospital superintendent Dr Pavani.
