Gandaki Province Launches Community-Level Screening for Non-Communicable Diseases

The Health Ministry of Gandaki Province has initiated a comprehensive screening program to identify and treat patients suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) at the community level.

Health Minister Krishna Prasad Pathak announced the initiative, emphasizing the ministry’s collaboration with local authorities to address diseases like blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. The Gandaki Province government has allocated a budget of Rs 10 million for this fiscal year to support the screening efforts.

Minister Pathak highlighted the alarming statistics of NCDs in Nepal, stating that 71 percent of deaths in the country are attributed to these diseases. He attributed the rising prevalence to unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits, emphasizing the need for timely treatment and prevention measures.

The province-wide screening program aims to assess the prevalence of NCDs in Gandaki and inform policy decisions for improving healthcare services. Minister Pathak acknowledged the existing challenges within the health sector, including a shortage of human resources and medical equipment, and pledged to address these issues through policy reforms.

The Health Ministry plans to conduct a thorough study of the gaps in healthcare infrastructure and introduce new policies to enhance the quality and accessibility of treatment services. Minister Pathak also committed to improving the efficiency of health insurance programs and exploring the possibility of establishing medical education programs at Dhawalagiri Sub-Provincial Hospital.