BS RAWAT
NEW DELHI: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with World Health Organization and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has announced nationwide expansion of their program India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI).

IHCI will expand to 100 districts from the earlier 25 districts across India covering all the states. The project will accelerate the implementation of quality hypertension treatment for over 15 crore population over the next four years and prevent deaths from heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.

Dr Prabhdeep Kaur from ICMR-NIE told DTMT, “The Government of India has adopted a national action plan for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and has set a target for a 25% reduction in high blood pressure by 2025.”

She stated, “With approximately 20 crore adult patients with hypertension in India, more support from all quarters will be needed to help the Government achieve this target.”

Dr Kaur claimed, “Prevention and treatment of hypertension is far safer for patients than expensive interventions like bypass surgery and dialysis.”

The IHCI aims to reduce disability and death related to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the country, by improving the control of high blood pressure, reducing salt consumption and eliminating artificial trans-fats, leading risk factors for heart disease.

IHCI will continue to accelerate the achievement of targets of the Indian government by ensuring a continuum of care and give a boost to the ongoing “Ayushman Bharat” program.