The Multi-stakeholder meeting organized at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi by AIIMS Gorakhpur in collaboration with Global Health Advocacy Incubator on Accelerating Progress on the Government of India’s 75/25 Initiative was a significant step towards addressing the issue of silent killers – Hypertension and Diabetes under Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The aim of the initiative is to screen 75 million individuals in the young adult to mid-adult age group and integrate this initiative heavily into primary healthcare centers.

The meeting witnessed the presence of experts, policymakers, and implementers from various stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and researchers. The event was inaugurated by Ms. Indrani Kaushal, Economic Advisor, and Joint Secretary, NCD, MoHFW, and the keynote address was given by distinguished speakers: Prof. Dr. Surekha Kishore, the Executive Director of AIIMS Gorakhpur, Prof. Dr. Umesh Kapil, Secretary of the National Academy of Medical Sciences and President of the Epidemiology Foundation of India, and Dr. Swasticharan, Deputy Director-General of DGHS (Directorate General of Health Services), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The meeting held three panel discussions: Galvanizing civil society: catalyzing 75/25 initiative momentum, Academia and professional bodies as accelerators for this initiative, and Patient experiences: vision for a healthy future. Each panel discussion brought forth unique perspectives and insights on the implementation of the 75/25 initiative.

Ms. Radhika Shrivastav, one of the panelists representing Healthy India Alliance, highlighted the need for palliative care under NCDs in her address. She emphasized that all individuals, including those with NCDs, have the right to access care that addresses their physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs.

Prof. Dr. Jugal Kishore, Director Professor, Department of Community Medicine, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, MoHFW, one of the panelists in the Academia and professional bodies as accelerators for this initiative discussion, suggested that medical and educational institutions must be involved in the 75/25 initiative as authorities. He emphasized that these institutions remain constant, while people in charge of implementing these programs may change, and can become catalysts in gaining momentum and ensuring effective monitoring of the initiative’s implementation.

The Patient experiences: vision for a healthy future panel discussion was especially important as it included patients who shared their experiences and voiced the importance of early prevention to control and prevent their conditions better. One of the common issues highlighted by the patients was the unavailability of hypertensive medicines in primary healthcare centers. This gap was identified earlier in the event’s discussions, suggesting the need for regular supply and monitoring of medicine availability to provide better care and accessibility.

Dr. Ashoo Grover, Scientist F category from ICMR, presented her research and focused on the use of digital platforms, including apps like Saksham and ICHAI, to control and manage hypertension and diabetes in India. The event closed with a call for support from community-based organizations and patient-initiated movements to ensure the success of the 75/25 initiative and individual responsibility.

Joint Secretary Ms. Indrani Kaushal emphasized the importance of using apps like the Sashakt app, the Standard Treatment Work Flow of India app by ICMR, and the NCD portal for constant monitoring, data collection, and evaluation. She also announced a budget of 10,000 crores for the initiative.

In conclusion, the Multistakeholder meeting organized by AIIMS Gorakhpur and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator was an important step towards addressing the issue of silent killers under NCDs. The meeting brought together various stakeholders to brainstorm and strategize on effective ways to screen and prevent Hypertension and Diabetes.

The involvement of patients, academics, and civil society organizations emphasized the need for a holistic approach to addressing NCDs. The announcement of a significant budget and the use of digital platforms for monitoring and evaluation indicates the government’s commitment to the success of the 75/25 initiative.

Another Multi-stakeholder meeting to monitor progress is planned for the future, and it is expected that these collective efforts will drive significant progress towards addressing NCDs in India.