Punjab government has initiated 'India Hypertension Management Initiative' (IHMI) programme for detection and treatment of people suffering from hypertension.

Disclosing this here on April 11, while presiding over the meeting of 'India Hypertension Management Initiative' (IHMI) programme with a team of international and national experts, Health and Family Welfare Minister Brahm Mohindra said that non-communicable diseases were proving fatal for the human beings the world over. He said it was a matter of serious concern that even after uncountable advancements in the medical profession, most of the affected people were not much aware about the causes of hypertension.

Mr Mohindra further said that this programme would prove helpful for proper treatment of hypertension, which is also associated with heart and other non-communicable diseases. He said under this programme, field staff would ensure the reporting and follow-up of patients, enrolled for treatment in the Health department. The Health Minister also informed that the team expressed its satisfaction over the way the project was being implemented in five districts of the state.

Dr Tom Frieden from the US pointed out that the Punjab Project would set an example for detection, treatment and compliance of treatment of hypertension for other states of the country. Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Anjali Bhawra said the Health department would ensure capacity building of the field staff for comprehensive hypertension treatment programme, which also covers other non-communicable diseases. The department is also conducting IEC activities in this regard at block and sub-centre level, she added.