As per the India, ‘Health of the Nation’s States’ study [done by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)], the heart diseases were the number one cause of death, contributing to 28.1% of total deaths in India in 2016. The majority of heart patients are people with Coronary Heart Diseases (CHDs). The increase in the prevalence of CHDs is due to increase in risk factors for CHDs such as high blood pressure.

The Department of Health & Family Welfare provides technical and financial support to the States/UTs under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), as part of National Health Mission (NHM), based on the proposals received from the States/UTs and subject to the resource envelope. Cardiovascular Diseases is an integral part of NPCDCS. The programme focusses on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, health promotion & awareness generation, early diagnosis, management and referral to an appropriate level of healthcare facility for treatment of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including Cardiovascular Diseases & Hypertension. Under NPCDCS, 707 District NCD Clinics, 193 District Cardiac Care Units, and 5541 Community Health Centre NCD Clinics have been set up.

A population-based initiative for prevention, control and screening for common Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) i.e., diabetes, hypertension and common cancers has been rolled out in the country under NHM and also as a part of Comprehensive Primary Health Care. Under the initiative, persons more than 30 years of age are targeted for their screening for common NCDs. Screening of these common NCDs is an integral part of service delivery under Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres.

Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs), included primary healthcare services expanded from selective to Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) inclusive of NCD services, closer to community. Preventive aspect of Cardiovascular Diseases is being strengthened under Comprehensive Primary Health Care through Ayushman Bharat Health Wellness Centre scheme, by promotion of wellness activities and targeted communication at the community level. Till date 1,56,338 Health & Wellness Centres have been operationalized which includes 1,25,608 Sub-Health Centre level AB-HWCs, 23512 Primary Health Centre level AB-HWCs and 7,218 Urban Primary Health Centre level AB–HWCs (Source - AB-HWC Portal, as on 30th January 2023). The States/UTs wise details of Health and Wellness Centres is available at https://ab-hwc.nhp.gov.in/home/satewisereport/.

Further, initiatives for increasing public awareness about Cardiovascular Diseases & Hypertension and for promotion of healthy lifestyle includes observation of National and International Day and use of print, electronic and social media for continued community awareness. Furthermore, healthy eating is also promoted through Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Fit India movement is being implemented by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and various Yoga related activities are being carried out by Ministry of AYUSH. In addition, NPCDCS gives financial support under NHM for awareness generation (IEC) activities for Cardiovascular Diseases to be undertaken by the States/UTs as per their Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs).

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.