India announced a new programme to identify, prevent and control the spread of cancer, diabetes, heart disorders and strokes with an outlay of Rs 1,230.90 crore ($275 million) for the next two years.

Home Minister P. Chidambaram stated that the newly launched plan will be implemented in 100 districts across 15 states and union territories via mass education and by promoting healthy lifestyle.

The decision to unveil the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke was announced during a meeting Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

While talking to media persons after the conference, Chidambaram stated that the programme also comprised screening of people above 30 to comprehend the risk potential, as also establishment of well-equipped clinics and community health centres.

The home minister said, "Under the programme, it is expected to screen more than 70 million adults above 30 years of age for diabetes and hypertension, early diagnosis of non-communicable diseases and treatment."

The cabinet meeting noted the fact that according to estimations of WHO, heart problems will be the major cause of death and disability in India by the next ten years.

At the same time, it was also estimated that the occurrence of diabetes in India stood at 6.25% of the population, whereas that for high blood pressure was as high as 15.95%.

This apart, the incidence of hypertension and heart diseases was 3.7% and 0.1%, respectively. In absolute terms, the number of cancer patients in the country was also large at 2.5 million.

According to the cabinet note, "The cost implication of non-communicable diseases to society are enormous and run into thousands of crore of rupees that include direct costs to people with illness, families and indirect costs to society. Therefore, the appropriate strategies have been devised to be implemented under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke to ensure that these can be prevented and managed in an effective manner."

The meeting also felt that health promotion and prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases are yet to be adequately addressed in the country's health system, even as clinical services are inadequately ill-equipped. (With Inputs from Agencies)