The Ministry of Health will be conducting a Nationwide Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Screening program from 14th November – 7th December 2024. This campaign is essential to safeguard the health and well-being of our Bhutanese community.
Here’s everything that you need to know:
Why is screening important?
NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases are often silent and do not show symptoms in the early stages. Screening helps detect these conditions early, allowing timely intervention, management, and prevention of serious complications such as stroke, heart diseases, kidney failure and blindness.
What are the screening components?
The screening will include:
- Blood Pressure Check
- Blood Glucose Test (for diabetes)
- Screening for overweight and obesity
- Estimating 10 years risk for cardiovascular event (stroke and heart attack) based on WHO/ISH CVD risk chart
Who will be screened?
- Adults aged 18 years and above
- Individuals with risk factors such as family history of NCDs, overweight/obesity, or those leading a sedentary lifestyle are highly encouraged to come forward for screening.
- If you are hypertensive and diabetic with medication, you need not come for screening during the camp, please follow your routine following at health facility
When and where should you come for screening?
- Screening will be conducted from 14th November to 7th December.
- Kindly visit your nearest health center or screening camp between 9am to 5pm for your screening
- You may contact your respective District Public Health Officials/Health Workers in your community if you have to seek information regarding the screening facility area/post and schedule
Prerequisites for screening:
To ensure accurate results, especially for blood glucose tests:
- If you are 40 years and above, fasting is required: Please fast for at least 8 hours before the screening (no food, only water).
- If you are not fasting on the first day, please return the next morning after fasting for at least 8 hours.
- Bring identification: Please bring your identification card for registration purposes.
Post screening:
- If you require further investigation, take the prescription form provided by the health worker during the time screening and visit the nearest hospital
- Follow the routine procedures at the hospital