Health Ministry dedicates 2013 to combat NCDs

Priyanka KURUGALA

The Health Ministry will dedicate 2013 towards eradicating Non Communicable Diseases. Under this theme, the ministry hopes to achieve its national target set to eradicate NCDs, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said.

The ministry has drawn up plans to hold the National Health Week from December 10 to 17. Under this programme, it is also hoped to deal with the dengue mosquito problem, he said.

The minister was addressing a health conference on NCDs. The book Guideline for Management of NCDs in Primary Health Care (Total Risk Assessment Approach) was also launched at the event.

The minister said there are various forms of diseases and ailments affecting developed and developing countries.

"Sri Lanka, for its part has to take measures to combat NCDs. The public has to be made aware of the dangers posed by non communicable diseases. Programmes need to be conducted targeting schoolchildren. It is also necessary to strengthen the Mathata Thitha programme to build an alcohol free society," he said.

Ministry Additional Secretary Dr Palitha Mahipala also spoke.

A copy of the book was presented to Minister Sirisena by Consultant Community Physician Director/Non Communicable Diseases Dr DTP Liyanage.