K'taka Govt & Novo Nordisk Education Foundation to Launch Diabetes Care Program

The program will initially launch pilot projects in three districts: Bengaluru Urban, Dakshina Karnataka, and Yadgiri.

The Karnataka government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Novo Nordisk Education Foundation (NNEF), a non-profit organization established by Novo Nordisk India, to launch the ‘Changing Diabetes Barometer’ (CDB) program.

The MoU was signed between Dr Naveen Bhat Y, Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), Government of Karnataka, and Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Trustee of the Novo Nordisk Education Foundation.

The primary goal of this collaboration is to establish Community Diabetes Centres (CDCs) in various district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, community health centers, and primary health centers across Karnataka.

These centers will introduce a holistic approach to focused diabetes care as part of the Outpatient Department (OPD) consultations.

The program will initially launch pilot projects in three districts: Bengaluru Urban, Dakshina Karnataka, and Yadgiri. The aim is to map the impact of diabetes in real time, promote early diagnosis, provide treatment options, and encourage lifestyle modifications.

Minister Rao emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "The health and well-being of the people of Karnataka is our utmost priority. We are committed to upgrading our health ecosystem and healthcare services to address the unmet needs of people living with various non-communicable diseases and promote the overall well-being of all citizens."

Addressing the Diabetes Challenge

Diabetes remains a significant health concern in Karnataka and nationwide. A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research highlighted that India has approximately 101 million people living with diabetes and another 136 million in pre-diabetic stages.

Minister Rao reiterated the state's commitment to tackling this challenge by enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services.

Vikrant Shrotriya, managing trustee of NNEF, expressed the foundation's commitment to partnering with the Karnataka government to reduce the state's diabetes burden.

"Changing Diabetes Barometer (CDB) program highlights NNEF’s unique ‘ACT’ approach - increasing Awareness, Building Capacity, and elevating Treatment across Karnataka," Shrotriya stated.

He noted that NNEF has collaborated with several state governments to develop diabetes care programs under the public-private partnership (PPP) framework.

The Partnership Goals

The partnership aims to improve the diabetes care ecosystem in Karnataka through various interventions. First, it promotes awareness and advocacy for non-communicable diseases like diabetes among the masses.

Second, it aims to implement a comprehensive upskilling and training model for doctors and healthcare workers at primary and secondary healthcare facilities.

Additionally, the partnership will enhance infrastructural support for diabetes care and provide digitization support to streamline healthcare services.

Moreover, the program will offer education and counseling for lifestyle modifications through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials.

Shrotriya added, "Considering the alarming diabetes statistics across India, we aim to support policy initiatives by various states and the Union government to benefit the masses."