Jigmi Wangdi

The Ministry of Health (MoH) launched a nationwide screening programme yesterday for early detection and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The programme, which will focus on screening adults aged 18 and older who are at a higher risk of suffering from conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, will be carried out until December 7.

The screenings will take place across 56 hospitals, 188 primary health centres (PHCs), and 51 sub-posts, reaching an estimated 362,557 adults, with mobile clinics ensuring access in remote areas.

The screening programme will target and measure key health indicators such as blood pressure, blood glucose, and BMI, with those at high risk referred for further treatment.

The programme will also include awareness campaigns, with collaboration from local governments and civil society organisations, among others, to promote healthy lifestyle changes.

NCDs pose a significant health crisis in Bhutan, responsible for 69 percent of deaths, including 23 percent of premature mortality before the age of 60.

The primary risk factors identified are tobacco and alcohol use, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets.

Heart disease and stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung conditions are the four major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country today.

The 2019 STEPS survey reported that 23.9 percent of respondents used tobacco. This figure rose sharply to 29.8 percent, according to the NHS 2023, an increase of 24.6 percent.

The prevalence of physical inactivity has also surged, from 7.3 percent in 2019 to 18.3 percent in 2023.

The NHS report also revealed an uptick in high blood pressure, climbing from 28 percent in 2019 to 30.3 percent in 2023, and high cholesterol levels, which have risen from 11 percent to 20.9 percent over the same period.

Health officials had previously shared that if NCDs are not dealt with, every Bhutanese is at risk of suffering from NCDs in the next five years. 

Addressing these issues, the Minister of Health, Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk, shared that the launch of the screening programme is of significant importance.

“The NCDs have risen shockingly. However, this is not just in Bhutan. NCDs are a global problem today. The number of NCDs has increased as our country develops. As everything has become convenient, it has made our people immobile and ignorant of what they eat on a daily basis,” Lyonpo said.

Lyonpo shared that access to easy transportation everywhere has made people physically inactive, while the intake of what food to eat is being completely ignored. “These factors are contributing to the rise in NCDs in Bhutan.”

Lyonpo expressed the concern the ministry has regarding NCDs in the country, stating that after studying the data and much deliberation, the screening programme was launched.

“One of the key areas is creating awareness among the people about NCDs and their risk factors. Secondly, screening has become vital after which treatments can be provided,” Lyonpo shared, adding that prevention will also be a primary focus along with providing medical care for those who are found to be suffering from NCDs.

Lyonpo also shared that an alarming number of youths are suffering from heart attacks and the number is increasing yearly. Lyonpo shared concerns about the cases being related to NCDs.

Lyonpo said that it would be difficult to completely eradicate NCDs in the country in the coming years. “Our focus should be to make sure the number of NCD cases decreases in the country. However, even if we cannot reduce it, we should work to guarantee that it does not increase thereafter.”

In addition to the screening programme, the Dratshang Health Coordinators Guideline was also launched, which will serve as a guide for Dratshang Health Coordinators to advocate for and address priority public health issues within their communities.

The government has committed Nu 45 million under the 13th Plan to fund the NCD screening programme, with Nu 19 million allocated for the fiscal year 2024-2025. These funds will ensure the continuation of screenings, follow-up care, and public health education.