What are the target diseases of the NPCDCS program?

Appeared in: MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

Explanation

The NPCDCS is an integrated national program in India aimed at addressing the rising burden of major non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The full name of the program is the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke.
This explicitly includes Cancer (Option A), Diabetes (Option C), and Cardiovascular Diseases (which encompasses Cardiac diseases, Option B).
Since all the individual options are key components of the NPCDCS, the correct choice is 'All of these'.

Option A: This is incorrect because Cancer is only one of the several diseases targeted by the NPCDCS. The program has a broader scope.
Option B: This is incorrect as Cardiac (Cardiovascular) diseases are just one component of the NPCDCS. The program also focuses on other major NCDs.
Option C: This is incorrect because while Diabetes is a major focus, it is not the sole target of the NPCDCS. The program is integrated to cover multiple NCDs.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain National Health Programmes in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are at the forefront of implementing NPCDCS at the community level (Sub-centres, PHCs, and CHCs).
Key nursing roles include opportunistic screening for hypertension and diabetes in individuals over 30, health education on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, tobacco cessation), and ensuring treatment compliance.
Nurses at NCD clinics are responsible for diagnosis, management, follow-up, and referral of complicated cases to higher centers.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on knowledge of national health programs.
First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'NPCDCS'.
Recall the full form of the acronym: National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke.
Compare the diseases listed in the full name with the options provided: Cancer, Cardiac diseases (part of Cardiovascular diseases), and Diabetes.
Since all the given options are explicitly mentioned in the program's name, the most comprehensive and correct answer is 'All of these'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) pp. 159-161, 160-162

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-275 of 550) p. 130-132

Practise the full MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.