71 percent deaths caused by non-communicable diseases: Study

Most of the deaths in Nepal (71 percent) are caused by non-communicable diseases, according to a study.

The risk of non-communicable diseases is increasing day by day, pointed out researchers, who conducted the study, at a PEN-Plus program organized in Damak, Jhapa, by a government hospital to reduce and manage the risk of non-communicable diseases.

The Kathmandu Institute of Child Health (KIOCH) coordinated the program. On the occasion, the KIOCH Chair Prof Dr Bhagawan Koirala presented data of deaths from non-communicable disease putting the number of deaths from such diseases at 71 percent.

When the PEN-Plus program runs effectively, the mortality rate from non-communicable diseases could be significantly dropped in the next five to 10 years, he said. “Providing treatment after early diagnosis of diseases can help prevent early death. Health insurance for the poor, and availability of early treatment and medicines can also help,” he said.

On the occasion, Rector of the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Prof Dr Sanjeev Sharma, shared that untimely death of the people could be prevented if PEN-Plus program is effectively implemented.

He expressed commitment to make necessary arrangements for the health examination and treatment of the patients referred from Damak.

Similarly, chief of PEN-Plus program under the Department of Health Services, Phanindra Prasad Baral, mentioned that the Program was launched as a pilot project in Damak and Bardiya and it would be expanded to other places.

Deputy mayor of Damak Municipality, Regina Bhattarai, urged the neighboring local bodies to take benefit as the PEN-Plus program has been launched at Damak hospital.

A discussion was held among the mayor, deputy mayor of Damak Municipality, chiefs and representatives of neighboring local units regarding testing, treatment and medicine of non-communicable diseases — heart, diabetes, respiratory problem, cancer, heart attack and sickle cell anemia under the PEN-Plus program.