KATHMANDU: As doctors express growing concerns over the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nepal, fueled by urbanization, modern lifestyles, and climate change, the government has launched a free screening campaign for these diseases.
The Ministry of Health and Population is running this initiative under the “Next Generation, Healthy Generation” program, aimed at promoting preventive measures against non-communicable diseases.
Citizens aged 30 and above will be screened at local health centers, health posts, and basic hospitals, with the goal of preventing and managing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney diseases, and body mass index (BMI) issues.
According to the Ministry of Health, the screening will assess weight, sugar levels, and blood pressure relative to height, with kidney and heart artery examinations also conducted.
Patients will be referred to relevant hospitals for further evaluation when necessary.
Health Minister Pradeep Poudel launched the campaign on February 13, urging everyone to ensure better healthcare access and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in Nepal.
Understanding non-communicable diseases and their causes
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are diseases that are not transmitted from person to person, often developing slowly over time.
Common NCDs include heart disease (such as coronary heart disease and heart attacks), cancer, chronic respiratory diseases (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma), and diabetes.
Doctors attribute NCDs mainly to unhealthy lifestyles or risky behaviors, such as tobacco use, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption.
These behaviors contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose levels, and high cholesterol, all of which can lead to chronic diseases if left uncontrolled.
Lifestyle changes, including healthier eating and regular physical activity, are recommended, as most NCDs can be prevented by controlling these risk factors.
Status of non-communicable diseases in Nepal
According to the Ministry of Health, 42% of annual deaths in Nepal are attributed to non-communicable diseases.
Globally, NCDs account for 74% of total deaths, with 4.1 million deaths reported annually by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Among deaths before the age of 70, 1.7 million are due to NCDs. Low-income and poor countries account for 86% of these premature deaths, with 77% of them caused by NCDs.
Globally, heart disease is the leading cause of death, claiming 17.9 million lives annually.
Cancer follows with 9.3 million deaths, chronic respiratory diseases cause 4.1 million deaths, and diabetes and related complications account for 200,000 deaths each year.
How screening can help prevent non-communicable diseases
Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, explains that many people neglect their health until a serious issue arises.
Unfortunately, by then, it’s often too late to treat the disease effectively. Since most NCDs show no symptoms in their early stages, many go unchecked.
Through this campaign, free screenings at local health centers will help individuals over 30 get tested regularly, providing peace of mind. If any conditions are detected, early treatment can lead to recovery.
The goal is to prevent patients from reaching critical stages where treatment becomes more difficult.
Dr. Budhathoki also mentioned that while this program started as a trial at the central government level, the ministry plans to expand it to local governments next year for regular implementation.
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