World Hypertension Day, observed on May 17 each year, serves as a vital reminder of the global health crisis posed by hypertension. In 2023, the Indian Government launched the “75/25” initiative. This programme aims to provide standardised care to 75 million people suffering from hypertension and diabetes by December 2025.
Background of the Initiative
The initiative was revealed amidst increasing concerns over Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India. As of March 2025, nearly 42.01 million individuals have received treatment for hypertension and 25.27 million for diabetes. This marks an achievement of 89.7% of the stated target.
National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs
The NP-NCD was established in 2010 by the Department of Health and Family Welfare. This comprehensive programme employs multiple strategies to combat NCDs, which include hypertension, diabetes, and various cancers.
Key Strategies of NP-NCD
1. Population-Based Screening – Targets individuals aged 30 and above for early detection. 2. Opportunistic Screening – Integrates screening into existing healthcare services. 3. Support for Diagnosis and Treatment – Facilitates accurate diagnosis and affordable treatment options. 4. Teleconsultation Services – Leverages technology for remote consultations. 5. National NCD Portal – A dedicated platform for monitoring NCD cases. 6. Awareness and Lifestyle Promotion – Encourages healthy lifestyle choices through inter-ministerial coordination.
Recent NCD Screening Campaign
In response to the rising burden of NCDs, the Ministry of Health launched a nationwide NCD Screening Campaign from February 20 to March 31, 2025. This campaign aims for 100% screening of individuals aged 30 and above across various healthcare institutions.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The initiative involves systematic data collection and performance management. Monthly reports from States and Union Territories are compiled for analysis at the national level. Feedback is periodically provided to ensure continuous improvement.
Government’s Commitment
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, confirmed these developments in a written response in the Rajya Sabha. The government remains committed to addressing the NCD crisis through effective monitoring and innovative healthcare solutions.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of the “75/25” initiative in addressing non-communicable diseases in India.
- Critically examine the role of teleconsultation services in enhancing healthcare delivery in rural areas.
- Explain the various strategies employed by the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases.
- With suitable examples, discuss the impact of lifestyle promotion on the prevention of hypertension and diabetes.
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the significance of the “75/25” initiative in addressing non-communicable diseases in India.
- Aims to provide standardized care for 75 million individuals by December 2025.
- Targets key NCDs like hypertension and diabetes, which are major health concerns.
- Achieved 89.7% of its target as of March 2025, reflecting effective implementation.
- Promotes early detection and treatment, reducing long-term healthcare costs.
- Strengthens the healthcare system through integrated approaches and awareness campaigns.
2. Critically examine the role of teleconsultation services in enhancing healthcare delivery in rural areas.
- Increases access to healthcare for remote populations lacking specialists.
- Reduces travel costs and time for patients seeking medical advice.
- Facilitates timely diagnosis and treatment through virtual consultations.
- Enables continuous monitoring of chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
- Promotes health education and awareness through digital platforms.
3. Explain the various strategies employed by the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases.
- Population-Based Screening targets individuals aged 30 and above for early detection.
- Opportunistic Screening integrates screenings into routine healthcare services.
- Support for Diagnosis and Treatment ensures accessibility to affordable healthcare.
- Teleconsultation Services leverage technology for remote healthcare delivery.
- National NCD Portal monitors data and trends for effective program management.
- Awareness and Lifestyle Promotion encourages healthy living through coordinated efforts.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the impact of lifestyle promotion on the prevention of hypertension and diabetes.
- Promotes physical activity, which helps in weight management and blood pressure control.
- Encourages healthy dietary choices, reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes.
- Awareness campaigns educate communities on the importance of regular health check-ups.
- Example – Community workshops that teach cooking healthy meals can reduce NCD prevalence.
- Inter-ministerial coordination enhances outreach and effectiveness of lifestyle programs.
