The government of Himachal Pradesh has identified 50,000 diabetes individuals throughout the state. According to a spokeswoman for the state administration, the Mukhyamantri Nirog Yojana was launched to conduct yearly screenings of the state’s population over the age of 18. In 2021-2021, ten “Nirog” clinics were built at hospitals in Bilaspur, Dharamshala, Recong Peo, Kullu, Mandi, RH Solan, Una, Rampur, Palampur, and Paonta Sahib, he added. These clinics have qualified physicians, nurses, and support workers who assess individuals for non-communicable illnesses and provide referrals.
The government spokesperson said that under this scheme, the risk assessment of nearly 24 lakh individuals (56%) has been done. Furthermore, 8.5 lakh individuals have been screened for non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension and cancer, beneath the ambit of this scheme
He said the Indian Council of Medical Research study has revealed that the prevalence of diabetes in Himachal Pradesh is 11.5%, which is higher than the national average of 9.8%. He added that about 50,000 diabetic patients have been identified under the scheme and are on follow up across the state.
The government spokesperson said to prevent people from developing the non-communicable disease, apart from the screening of the disease, frontline workers and ASHA counsel people to adopt a healthy diet, perform physical activity, avoid alcohol and tobacco and reduce weight. He added that timely medication and lifestyle measures can help in keeping blood glucose levels within acceptable limits and thus preventing diabetes in people.