Controlling Hypertension and Diabetes
Under nationwide screening and treatment for individuals aged 30 and above, 1.11 crore hypertension and 64 lakh diabetes cases have been diagnosed and were actively under treatment from January to June 2025
Hypertension and diabetes are twin epidemics in India, with high and increasing prevalence, particularly for type 2 diabetes, and a significant number of people with hypertension also having diabetes, and vice versa. Key risk factors include obesity and lifestyle, while common underlying pathways like insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress link the two conditions.
The prevalence of diabetes in India is 11.4 per cent, while 35.5 per cent of people suffer from hypertension, according to the findings of a nationwide survey published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal.
Though Health issues are dealt with by the state governments, the central Health Ministry does provide technical and financial support to States and Union Territories across the country under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) as part of the National Health Mission (NHM).
The Programme focuses on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, screening, early diagnosis, referral, treatment, and health promotion for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including hypertension and diabetes as per need and proposal from the State and Union Territories.
Under the programme, 770 District NCD Clinics, 233 Cardiac Care Units and 6,410 NCD clinics at Community Health Centres have been set up.
A population-based initiative for prevention, control and screening for common NCDs including hypertension and diabetes has been rolled out in the country under National Health Mission (NHM) as a part of Comprehensive Primary Health Care. Under the initiative, persons more than 30 years of age are targeted for their screening.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare had launched NCD Screening Campaign including hypertension and diabetes (20th February, 2025 to 31st March 2025) to achieve universal screening of individuals aged 30 years and above. The campaign was conducted nationwide across AAMs and other healthcare facilities under NP-NCD.
Patients diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes under the NP-NCD programme are provided free access to medicines and regular follow-up services at different level of health facilities:
• Essential drugs for hypertension are made available at all levels of care — AAM, PHCs, CHCs, and DHs.
• Standard Treatment Protocols (STPs) are followed to ensure rational and uniform management.
• Monthly follow-ups are facilitated through the NCD portal, with scheduled visits recorded and medicines dispensed accordingly.
• Referral mechanisms are in place for patients needing specialized care
Counselors at District NCD clinics provide focused lifestyle and risk factor counseling to patients and their family members. They also plan and implement IEC activities related to NCDs prevention and management. Medical Officers and Staff nurses provide lifestyle advice and reinforce health messages during patient visits at health facilities.
At the community, the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) does risk assessment of individuals in the age groups of thirty years and above by using Community Based Assessment Checklist (CBAC) forms and bring the individuals to AAM for screening of common NCDs including hypertension and diabetes. She also makes aware public regarding significance of early detection through regular health check-ups and screenings. Community Health Officers (CHOs), ANMs, and ASHAs are trained to counsel patients on diet, physical activity, tobacco and alcohol cessation, and regular medication adherence.
