The nationwide non-communicable diseases or NCDs screening programme began across the country today. The three-week programme will operate from more than 1,500 screening stations. According to the National Health Survey 2023, 70 per cent of the deaths in the country are due to NCDs. Therefore, screening and early detection are crucial to saving lives and reducing the burden of these diseases.
In Thimphu, the programme begins from Trashichhoedzong, where monks were screened.
They underwent blood pressure checks, blood glucose tests for diabetes, and screenings for overweight and obesity.
Health officials say monks, despite their disciplined lifestyle, are increasingly at risk of non-communicable diseases.
They include conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers.
NCDs are often linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol use.
“If we go to the hospital, we are unable to receive all the necessary services. This is because we need to check for different types of diseases, and we cannot access all the services like we did today. The screening programme has benefited us greatly. Monks living in the dratshang have many religious duties, so they do not have time for regular checkups.” said Pema Wangdi, Zhung Dratshang’s Kudrung.
“With this programme, the people will understand it, people will know whether they have these types of diseases or not. Through that, they will be able to understand what type of medication they need to take, how they have to do physical exercises, and what type of diet they have to eat,” said Phuntsho Tobgay, a resident of Tsirang.
“If we go to the hospital for such medical checkups on our own, it takes time and adds extra expenses. So, I found it very convenient that they provided these checkup services near our Punakha Dzong,” said Tenzin, a monk.
The health minister said the increasing rates of high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar among adults is a serious national concern.
Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk said, “Putting it into the numbers perspective, most alarmingly, 62 per cent of adults with high blood pressure and nearly 60 per cent with elevated blood glucose levels are unaware of their conditions, putting them at significant risk of complications.”
The minister and Tshoki Lopen also launched the Dratshang Health Coordinator’s Guidebook. The book talks about NCD prevention and control methods.
“The book is primarily for health coordinators to advocate, educate, and build capacity among themselves. When they know NCDs, maybe they can advocate in the communities and prevent non-communicable diseases,” said Kinley Penjor, Religion and Health Programme Manager with Zhung Dratshang.
The ministry aims to screen nearly 300,000 people who are over 18 years of age.
Testing for non-communicable diseases is vital for early detection, effective treatment, and better quality of life.
KarmaWangdi/Bureaus
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
