KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 13
Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, has emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to prevent diseases among citizens.
Inaugurating a month-long free health screening initiative for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) launched by the Ministry in Pokhara, the Minister expressed concern over the rising number of patients in the country. "If this trend continues, the expected progress in the health sector will remain unachieved," he warned.
He underscored the importance of implementing preventive health strategies, stating that the campaign aligns with the government's policy to prioritize disease prevention. Noting the increasing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, he expressed hope that the initiative would help address these growing health concerns.
The campaign, running until March 13, offers free health screenings for individuals above 30, including tests for diabetes, hypertension, and kidney-related issues, along with body weight and height measurements, according to Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki. These services are accessible at health institutions across local levels.
Meanwhile, at the launch event for the screening program in Kathmandu, Health Secretary Dr. Roshan Pokharel emphasized the necessity of regular health check-ups to prevent NCDs. Speaking at the program organized by the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), he noted that so-called "lifestyle diseases" are on the rise nationwide.
Dr. Pokharel highlighted that the Ministry has incorporated NCD screenings as a regular program and urged local governments to prioritize and expand these efforts. Similarly, EDCD Director Dr. Yadu Chandra Ghimire called for collective support and cooperation in the prevention and control of NCDs.
