August 21: Most of the deaths in Nepal (71 percent) are caused by non-communicable diseases, according to a recent study conducted by a team of doctors.    

The risk non-communicable diseases is lately increasing day by day, pointed out the lead researchers during the launch of the PEN-Plus programme at Damak Hospital in Jhapa with the objective of reducing and managing the risks of non-communicable diseases.    

The Kathmandu Institute of Child Health (KIOCH) coordinated the programme. On the occasion, KIOCH Chair Prof Dr Bhagawan Koirala presented the data of deaths from non-communicable disease putting the number of deaths at 71 percent. Non-infectious diseases have gone unchecked posing a greater risk to the country’s health sector, he said.    

When the PEN-Plus programme runs effectively, the mortality rate from non-communicable disease could be significantly dropped in the next five to 10 years, said Koirala, adding, “Providing treatment after early diagnose of diseases can help prevent early death. Health insurance for the poor, and availability of early treatment and medicines can also help.”

On the occasion, Rector of the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Prof Dr Sanjeev Sharma, shared that untimely death of the people could be prevented if PEN-Plus programme is effectively implemented.    

The Package of Essential NCD Intervention-Plus (PEN-Plus)  an integrated care delivery model focused on alleviating the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by increasing the accessibility and quality of severe and chronic NCD care at first-level hospitals. The programme was initiated by the NCDI Poverty Network, whose co-secretariat is based at Harvard Medical School, USA.

Dr Sharma expressed commitment of making necessary arrangement for the health examination and treatment of the patients.    

Similarly, Chief of PEN-Plus programme under the Department of Health Services, Phanindra Prasad Baral, mentioned that the programme has been launched as a pilot programme in Damak and Bardiya and it would be expanded to other places.    

Deputy-Mayor of Damak municipality, Regina Bhattarai, urged neighbouring local bodies to take benefit as the PEN-Plus programme has been launched at Damak Hospital.    

Discussion was held among mayor, deputy mayor of Damak Municipality, chiefs and representatives of neighbouring local units regarding test, treatment and medicine of non-communicable diseases such as heart ailments, diabetes, respiratory problem, cancer, heart attack and sickle cell anemia under the PEN-Plus programme. -- RSS