Tripura Health Department strengthens diabetes and hypertension control through STAR NCD project, expanding screening, free medicines, AI-based monitoring, and community participation to improve non-communicable disease management and healthcare delivery across urban and rural populations.
A comprehensive push to strengthen the prevention and control of lifestyle-related diseases has taken shape following a high-level review meeting at the state secretariat in Agartala on Saturday. The meeting, chaired by Health and Family Welfare Secretary Kiran Gitte, focused on accelerating the implementation of the STAR NCD (Systematic Tracking and Response for Non-Communicable Diseases) research project.
The STAR NCD initiative is a collaborative implementation research programme involving the National Centre for Chronic Disease Control, AIIMS New Delhi, Agartala Government Medical College, GBP Hospital, and the National Health Mission, Tripura. The project is designed to reinforce healthcare systems under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, with a particular focus on diabetes and hypertension.
Senior officials, including NHM Tripura Mission Director Saju Wahid A, Director of Health Services Dr. Debashree Debbarma, and Director of Family Welfare and Disease Prevention Dr. Anjan Das, participated in the discussions alongside scientists and public health experts. The meeting reviewed the progress made so far and outlined strategies to improve service delivery and disease management.
Officials highlighted key advancements under the initiative, including the provision of free medicines to patients diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes. Diagnostic infrastructure has also been upgraded, with semi-auto analyzers installed at Block Public Health Units to ensure faster and more accurate testing. Additionally, monitoring systems have been strengthened to maintain quality standards across healthcare facilities.
Efforts are also underway to expand screening services to achieve complete population coverage. A digital portal has been introduced for tracking diagnosed patients, allowing health authorities to monitor treatment progress and ensure continuity of care. To enhance accountability, Panchayati Raj Institutions have been integrated into the monitoring process, enabling community-level oversight.
Looking ahead, the Health Department plans to introduce artificial intelligence-driven systems for integrated data entry and hospital management. These systems are expected to streamline medicine supply chains and improve efficiency in patient care delivery. Officials emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate stocks of essential medicines to ensure uninterrupted access for all patients.
The meeting also acknowledged the success of the state’s “Chief Minister’s Niramay Arogya Abhiyan,” which has played a crucial role in early detection and treatment of non-communicable diseases. The campaign has been particularly effective in promoting healthier lifestyles among populations in urban slums and remote hilly regions.
Data presented during the meeting underscored the scale of the initiative. During the first phase of the campaign, conducted from January 1 to January 21, a total of 1,034 health camps were organized, benefiting approximately 74,000 people. Specialist doctors conducted 191 camps, reaching nearly 66,000 individuals. More than 350,000 people were screened for diabetes and hypertension, resulting in the identification of over 70,000 hypertension cases and nearly 35,000 diabetes cases.
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In addition, over 198,000 individuals were screened for oral cancer, while more than 74,000 women underwent screening for breast, cervical, and oral cancers. Follow-up examinations were also carried out for patients already undergoing treatment, ensuring continuity and effectiveness of care.
The outcomes of the meeting indicate a strengthened commitment by the Health Department to tackle the growing burden of non-communicable diseases through integrated, technology-driven, and community-focused strategies.
