The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) is a government scheme under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, designed to tackle the rising burden of chronic diseases in India. It was originally launched as the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) in 2010-2011. The programme was initiated because Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases had emerged as the leading cause of death, contributing to approximately 63% of all deaths in the country.
The NP-NCD works by focusing on health promotion, prevention, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure. A key mechanism is the population-based screening initiative, which targets individuals aged 30 years and above for early detection of common NCDs, including hypertension, diabetes, and three common cancers (oral, breast, and cervical). The scheme establishes dedicated infrastructure like District NCD Clinics, Cardiac Care Units (CCUs), and Community Health Centre (CHC) NCD Clinics for diagnosis and management. It also utilizes the National NCD Portal and mobile applications for tracking patient records and screenings.
The programme is closely connected to the National Health Mission (NHM), which provides financial support through the NCD Flexi-Pool. It integrates NCD interventions into the Comprehensive Primary Health Care framework, particularly through the Health Wellness Centres. Recently, the programme's name was updated from NPCDCS to the broader NP-NCD, and its operational guidelines were revised for the period 2023-2030, emphasizing its integration with the primary healthcare system.