India's Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, has emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to reduce the prevalence and impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on citizens' well-being. The strategy includes preventive measures, early discussion, and efficient management. The World Health Summit 2023 theme is "A Defining Year for Global Health Action," and Dr Roderico H Ofrin, WHO India Representative, was present.

Highlighting India’s efforts at reducing non-communicable diseases, Dr Pawar stated that “India has launched the 75/25 initiative, aimed at screening and providing standard of care for 75 million individuals with hypertension and diabetes by 2025. It marks the most extensive expansion of NCDs in primary healthcare globally. India’s visible efforts to improve social indicators such as life expectancy, maternal mortality rate, and NCDs are evident in its seeking of this goal. The outcome budget document of the Union Budget for 2023-2024 is noteworthy for including hypertension and diabetes treatment as output indicators for the first time. This inclusion underscores the government’s dedication to scaling up coverage services for hypertension and diabetes, further emphasising its commitment to tackling these health challenges."

The Union Minister of India highlighted the importance of addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as a global health challenge. India launched the National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs in 2010 to strengthen infrastructure, human resource development, health promotion, early diagnosis, management, and referral. The Ayushman Bharat initiative aims to meet Sustainable Development Goals and achieve Universal Health Coverage, ensuring no one is left behind.

The Indian government has implemented Population-Based Screening (PBS) under the umbrella of Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) across Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC). The services target individuals aged 30 and above for risk assessment and screening of common NCDs like hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. Trained frontline health workers provide these services, with referral support and continuity of care at all levels of healthcare delivery systems. E-Sanjeevani teleconsultation services are also being provided to citizens.

She also conveyed that there is a concerted effort, in collaboration with both the public and private sectors, to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through prevention and control measures, alongside promoting awareness of healthy lifestyles at all levels of healthcare delivery in a mission-oriented approach. “Beyond the management of illness, Health & Wellness Centers are focusing on ensuring the wellness and wellbeing of the community. In addition to this, we have also collaborated with other Union Ministries and Departments such as the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Ayush, for activities such as Fit India Movement and yoga-related activities carried out by the respective ministries. Other initiatives for increasing public awareness about NCDs and for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle include observation of International & National Health Days and the use of print, electronic and social media for continued community awareness”, she further added.

Highlighting the significance of technology in enhancing the final leg of healthcare service delivery, the Union Minister stressed the importance of digital health technology initiatives that have markedly enhanced the management and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). “The National NCD portal is being used for prevention, control, screening and management of common NCDs. Primary-level information is captured through this portal at public health facilities for reporting and monitoring individual-wise screening and compliance of treatment for NCDs. It also features a Single Longitudinal Health Record for every individual in the cloud, identified by a Unique Health ID (ABHA ID: Ayushman Bharat Health Account ID) which ensures data availability and continuum of care ensuring linkages in between the facilities”, she stated.

Dr. Pawar closed the session by reiterating India's unwavering dedication to the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and expressing heartfelt gratitude for the worldwide endeavors in this vital area. “In the spirit of ‘One Earth, One Health’, India emphasises the need for nations to collaborate and share successes. It underscores the interconnectedness of global health, advocating for a collaborative approach where countries work together to collectively address the challenges posed by NCDs. This collaborative effort reflects the broader ethics of unity and shared responsibility for the well-being of our global community”, she stated.