Government of India launched a National Programme for
Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases
& Stroke (NPCDCS) in 2010 to cover 100 districts in 21 States during
2010 to 2012. Opportunistic screening of population aged 30 years and
above and all pregnant mothers for early detection of suspected cases of
diabetes and hypertension is also part of the programme. So far,
61.16 lakhs people have been screened for diabetes and hypertension out
of which 4,58,469 people are suspected to be diabetic and 3,71,004
people are suspected to be suffering from hypertension.
The targets set during the last two years of the 11th Five Year Plan
under NPCDCS were to establish State and District NCD Cells for
implementation and monitoring the programme and to upgrade/set up two to
four bedded Cardiac Care Units (CCU) and NCD Clinics at District
Hospitals. Financial assistance is provided for engagement of State
Programme Manager, District Programme Manager and other logistics
support at State and District level and also for hiring manpower
consisting of a Physician (Endocrinologist/Cardiologist),
Physiotherapist, Nurses and logistic support to run the District NCD
Clinic. Similarly, support is also given for NCD Clinics at Community
Health Centres.
Under Cancer component of NPCDCS, strengthening of district hospitals
in these 100 districts are permitted by hiring additional manpower such
as Medical Oncologist, Cyto-pathologist, Cyto-pathology Technician,
Nurses and Counsellor for early diagnosis of cancer and creating
facilities for chemotherapy and supportive care to cancer patients.
Early cancer detection are to be done at district level through
opportunistic screening mainly for Oral, Breast and Cervical Cancer.
Funds for equipment such as Colposcope is provided for screening of
Cancer Cervix. Financial assistance up to Rs.1.00 lakh per patient is
available for chemotherapy drugs to treat 100 Cancer patients per
district. The programme also envisages strengthening of Government
Medical College Hospitals including erstwhile Regional Cancer Centres
(RCC) across the country as Tertiary Cancer Centre (TCC) for providing
comprehensive Cancer care services. Sanction can be made up to Rs.6.00
crore (Rs.4.80 crore by Government of India and Rs.1.20 crore by State
Government) for the purpose.
Extension of the programme to cover all the Districts in a phased manner
and strengthen the Tertiary Cancer Care Facilities are envisaged during
12th Five Year Plan.
Funds are provided to the programme States based on the number of
Districts taken under the programme. Funds are released to States
through the state Health Societies.
