Good news for those suffering from hypertension and diabetes, as community nurses and health workers will soon start following up with them about whether they are taking their medicines regularly. The state health department has issued a circular to this effect in view of the increasing number of people suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Lakhs of patients suffer from diabetes and hypertension in Maharashtra and the state health department is making efforts to help them so that they do not discontinue their treatment.

In the circular addressed to the medical officers of municipal corporations, the public health department has mentioned that it is important to carry out such follow-ups at least once a month to ensure the patients continue the treatment. It directed all Urban Primary Health Centres and Urban Community Health Centres under municipal corporations to register patients with NCDs under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS).