NCC launches month-long heart disease prevention program

National Cardiac Centre has Launched Month-Long Heart Disease Prevention Program on World Heart Day 2024 in Kathmandu in September 2024. Private healthcare providers worldwide typically focus on curative treatments, often making care prohibitively expensive for lower and middle-income populations. But in Nepal, the National Cardiac Centre (NCC) is shifting the focus to affordable preventive care with a month-long heart disease prevention campaign launched to mark World Heart Day 2024, states a press release issued by NCC. NCC’s initiative includes free heart camps, public awareness drives, and training sessions for paramedics, according to the centre.

“More notably, it has introduced a low-cost heart risk screening program, priced lower than even government institutions, to make critical preventive services accessible to a wider population,” states Dr. Om Murti Anil. “This comes as heart disease continues to rise globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).”

In Nepal, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for over 70% of deaths, with cardiovascular diseases being a leading cause. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 86% of premature NCD-related deaths occur in LMICs, disproportionately affecting poorer communities. This underscores the urgent need for affordable preventive healthcare, not just in Nepal, but globally. While governments have made strides in addressing heart disease, many efforts fall short, especially when it comes to preventive care. In many countries, private healthcare systems prioritize curative treatments, leaving preventive measures out of reach for large portions of the population.

“But in Nepal, the NCC’s campaign is a significant step forward in changing that narrative, focusing on prevention and accessibility. In addition to domestic efforts, NCC is offering free telemedicine consultations to Nepali migrant workers living abroad, extending its reach to the global Nepali diaspora,” according to Dr. Anil.

Founded by Dr. Om Murti, an AIIMS graduate and renowned cardiologist, NCC has gained prominence for its leadership in heart disease prevention. Dr. Anil made headlines by setting a Guinness World Record for cardiovascular health awareness on World Heart Day 2023. His continued focus on preventive care is reshaping how heart disease is managed in Nepal and beyond. As heart disease remains a global health threat, the NCC’s month-long campaign highlights the critical role of affordable and preventive healthcare. It serves as a reminder of the need for greater private sector involvement in public health efforts, ensuring that essential care is accessible to all.