Directorate of Health and Family Welfare has launched India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) for Kohima and Mokokchung districts and adopted hypertension protocol on April 13.

It aims to accelerate India’s efforts to check non-communicable disease (NCD) targets by strengthening hypertension management and control using evidence-based strategies.

Consultant ICMR-NIE Chennai, Dr Mohamed Azarudeen it would ensure that the right medications and equipment get to the right place at the right time and reach the patients who need them, he said.

Medical Officer of State NCD Cell, Dr Ebenezer Phesao making a presentation on National Programme for prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS) in Nagaland said there are one each NCD Clinic in 11 districts while out of the target 21 NCD clinic for 21 Community Health Centres 10 have been established – Bhandari, Pungro, Jalukie, Medziphema, Noklak, Tuli, Tobu, Aghunato, Tseminyu and Meluri.

Following the launch doctors, staff nurses, ANMs, ASHAs are undergoing training to screen patients for hypertension and initiate treatment at the earliest.