Health Ministry launches screening campaign for non-communicable diseases

Kathmandu, February 12 — In line with Minister Pradeep Poudel's announcement to launch a preventive campaign against diseases, the Ministry of Health and Population is starting a month-long screening campaign from tomorrow (Thursday) to identify non-communicable diseases and ensure timely treatment.

Minister Poudel approved the directive on January 1, and the ministry has since moved forward with the screening program.

"We have launched this campaign under the plan to protect citizens from the vicious cycle of diseases as much as possible through preventive measures, while ensuring the availability of treatment services," Minister Poudel said. "Through basic health screenings and awareness efforts, our aim is to prevent diseases before they occur, and in cases where they do, ensure timely treatment, thereby saving both citizens' health and the state's resources."

In the country, there are 14 million 90 thousand citizens above the age of 30, and the ministry aims to cover this age group in the campaign.

During the campaign, all citizens over the age of 30 will be screened at local health institutions for diseases like diabetes, hypertension, kidney-related issues, and the ratio of height and weight, as informed by the ministry's spokesperson, Prakash Budhathoki.