Short Communication
Year: 2023 | Month: February | Volume: 13 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 90-97
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20230215
The Magnitude of Outpatient Visits for Non-Communicable Diseases in Karnataka: A District-level Analysis
Manjula G. Hadagalimath1, Ragini K. Itagi2
1Research Investigator, Population Research Centre, JSS Institute of Economic Research Centre, Dharwad-580004, Karnataka
2Field Investigator, Population Research Centre, JSS Institute of Economic Research Centre, Dharwad-580004, Karnataka
Corresponding Author: Manjula G. Hadagalimath
ABSTRACT
Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of premature deaths globally. Seven out of 10 deaths attributed to NCDs. Cardiovascular diseases, Cancer, Respiratory and Diabetes account for 82% of total NCD deaths and 54% loss in disability-adjusted life years. Additionally, the onset of NCDs declined to ≥45 years. Globally, several strategies adopted to reduce the burden of NCDs. In India, all public health facilities provide free screening, diagnosis, and treatment services under NPCDCS programme. The present study explores, proportion of outpatients visited across districts in different levels of public health facilities for NCDs in Karnataka. The magnitude of outpatients for NCDs tremendously increased in the state. A greater proportion of patients for hypertension, diabetes and epilepsy visited to PHCs. A majority of patients for oncology, acute heart disease, mental illness, and epilepsy services visited either DH/Medical Colleges or SDHs. However, previous studies shows, health facilities are not well equipped to confirm healthcare services for NCD cases. Hence, the present study suggests, there is urgent need to strengthen infrastructure, appoint specialists, and regular supply of ample medicine and diagnostics to manage critical NCD patients at all health facilities.
Key words: Hypertension, Diabetes, Oncology, Mental Illness, Public Facilities