Vijayawada:Union Health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava has flagged a steep rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) compared to communicable diseases in the country.
Participating in a meeting with the AP Health officials at Mangalagiri on Thursday, she expressed concerns over the development. She called for continuous monitoring to control NCDs. She pointed out changes in the atmosphere and lack of personal hygiene are prime reasons for the rise in the number of non-communicable diseases.
Srivastava stressed on proper clearance of domestic waste. Otherwise, this would result in malaria cases. She called for regular water quality tests, so that it could help contain the outbreak of cholera, diarrhoea and other diseases.
The health secretary called for regular inspection of blood banks and expansion of healthcare services for cancer and trauma patients. She said the central government is making efforts to wipe out HIV / AIDS, tuberculosis, measles, rubella and other diseases from the country by 2030.
Srivastava asked AP authorities to avail the opportunity given by the central government to enhance undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats in the state.
Participating in the meeting, AP Health secretary Saurabh Gaur explained the series of AP's healthcare schemes and services being provided to the people in the state.
Srivastava later visited the AIIMS at Mangalagiri and inspected the available facilities, including ABHA registration area, out-patient department, radiology services, and the radiation oncology unit with advanced cancer facilities.
Later, she inaugurated the undergraduate girls' hostel block.
AIIMS executive director Dr. Ahanthem Santa Singh appraised the union secretary about the progress of the institute in academics, research and patient care.