Kalam seeks research to combat non-communicable diseases

New Delhi, July 18 (IANS) Former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Friday called for research institutes to be set up in India and abroad to combat non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cancer.

"There is a immense need for research institutions in the country and abroad to work for new initiatives such as vaccines and similar other initiatives to control the non-communicable diseases," Kalam said.

He, however, noted that initiatives are being taken by various health groups and the government to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, cancer and many other by bringing reforms in the lifestyle of the citizens.

Kalam was speaking at 2nd National Non-Communicable Diseases summit where the national white paper on combating NCDs within the pubic sector employees was released. The summit was organised by Confederation of Indian Industry.

The white paper was developed based on the recommendation that emerged from roundtable discussions held in cities.

According to the statistics of the World Health Organization, India has over 70 million diabetic patients, making it highest numbers in the world.

The union health and family welfare ministry figures showed that the figure would cross 100 million by 2030 if diabetes is not brought under control.

Kalam said India needs to focus on the thrust areas - technological, biological and pharmacological aspects of the NCDs to eliminate these from the society.

"If the dreaded diseases like polio and leprosy can be eliminated, then why not diabetes and other non-communicable diseases - which are highly prevalent among the working age group of the country, specifically among the people working in the public sector enterprises?" he said.

Shobana Kamineni, chairperson, National Committee on Pubic health, CII, said: "Non-communicable diseases take a heavy toll on human lives and also affect economic productivity."

She said the white paper consists of the recommendations which can help the pubic sector enterprises to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases among their employees.

Some of the recommendations are adopting a healthy environment, taking activity breaks and encouraging walking.

The white paper also recommends pubic sector enterprises to design new policies for screening and diagnosis of NCDs at work places.