Overview

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for most deaths worldwide, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease. 

The rise of NCDs is essentially caused by four major risk determinants: tobacco usage, physical inactivity, the ill effect of alcohol use, and unhealthy diets.

The wide distribution of NCDs causes devastating health consequences for people, households, communities and threatens to submerge health systems. These diseases social and economic costs make the management, prevention, and control of NCDs a major development imperative for India today.

PGC's mission is to act upon surveillance, prevention, and control of NCDs. Immediate intervention is required to reduce the burden of NCDs.

Prevention

One of the most important ways of reducing deaths from NCDs is to control unhealthy lifestyle choices that lead to their advancement. These include promotional activities to reduce tobacco and the harmful use of alcohol, maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, and develop a wholesome diet. Tackling these risk factors can not only save lives but also provide a huge economic boost for India. 

Beyond prevention methods, the management of NCDs is critical, including detection, screening, and treatment of diseases and care for those in need. Due to limited health coverage and access to healthcare services, the development and promotion of health coverage are essential in tackling NCDs and reducing preventable national deaths.

PGC Response

Reducing the major risk factors of NCDs – primarily tobacco use, an unhealthy diet, harmful use of alcohol, and physical inactivity – is the focus of PGC. PGC works to prevent, manage and control NCDs. 

Fact sheet

PGC Resolution: To prevent, control, and to an extent, set India free from noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, heart attack, stroke, etc. Also, spread awareness and control the usage of tobacco among Indians.