Action to change together (ACT)
A joint initiative of PCI India, Siemens Healthineers and Government of Odisha to combat NCDs- Hypertension and Diabetes.
Each year, 15 million people die from NCDs between the ages of 30 – 69 years. According to the National Center of the Biotechnology Information, the cumulative loss of national income for India due to non-communicable disease mortality for 2006–2015 is estimated to be $237 billion. A recent survey report by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), published in 2021, is showing an alarming rise of NCDs in India and is projecting that more than 2/3rd of the individuals suffering from NCDs are in the most productive life-age groups i.e. 26-59 years’ age. The survey also identified hypertension, digestive disease, and diabetes as the three top NCDs, and suggested that the prevalence of having any NCD among the population is 116 per 1000 population in India. Odisha has the highest prevalence of NCDs (272 per 1000 population).
PCI and Siemens Healthineers joined hands to test creative solutions to solve the most complex problem of public health which is non-communicable diseases. PCI developed a community-based screening and referral model to improve referral and access to health services, while utilising existing community institution platform of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) to increase health education on NCDs, leveraging Self-Help Group (SHG) federations. Between years 2021-2023, with the help of 110 NCD volunteers, we were able to screen 1.26 members for hypertension and 1.01 lac individuals for diabetes in the project period.
The assessment results (Oct’22 to Jul’23) have shown a significant increase in awareness and knowledge about hypertension and diabetes. Continuum of care indicators reveal positive community engagement, with high follow-up and adherence to medical advice. The health counterpart of Government of Odisha has been appreciative of PCI India in strengthening the screening system of the district.
