Minister Khatiwada: Non-communicable diseases can be prevented

Birodh Khatiwada, Minister for Health and Population has said that the coordination and cooperation of all sides were necessary for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.

He said so while launching the 'Multi-sectoral Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases' at the Ministry here today.

On the occasion, the Health Minister opined that non-communicable diseases could be prevented and controlled with the cooperation of all sectors. He asserted that the action plan would be enforced in an effective way for improving the health of the citizens.

Emphasizing the need for multi-sectoral coordination and collaboration for addressing the situation arising out of the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, he said, "The action plan should be implemented even at the local level by harmonizing the topic of non-infectious diseases in the mainstream of all the policies."

According to him, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases has been increasing day by day, the major reasons being climate change, use of non-edible substances, passive lifestyle, and drug abuse.

Health Secretary Dr. Roshan Pokharel said the Ministry would pay attention to implementing the action plan at the province and local levels.

National Planning Commission (NPC) member Dr. Umashankar Prasad expressed concern over a large amount of money going abroad for medical treatment. He stressed that the tendency to go abroad for medical treatment should be discouraged and treatment for diseases for which treatment is available within the country should be sought within the country itself.

World Health Organization (WHO) Nepal chief Dr. Rajesh Pandav pointed out the need for effective implementation of the action plan by Nepal for achieving the sustainable development goals.

Ministry spokesperson Dr. Dangeeta Kaushal Mishra informed that a five-year plan (2022 -2027) has been brought for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in the country.