World Health Organization in collaboration with ministry of health and family welfare organized a consultation for development of national multisectoral action plan for prevention and control of non communicable diseases (NCDs) on 22-23 May, 2014.

The objective of the consultation was to develop a national multisectoral action plan with detailed activities and timeliness based on the endorsed strategies. The main focus is on defining the roles of various stakeholders and discussing the next steps in implementing the action plan for prevention and control of NCDs. It aimed to bring together stakeholders at national and sub national levels, research institutes, academia, civil society and international agencies onto a one platform.

The burden of NCDs is a major barrier for the socioeconomic development of a country and needs the whole of society to develop a Nation Multisectoral Action Plan to address the growing burden through health promotion, prevention of exposure to risk factors and provision of appropriate healthcare. The national steering committee for NCDs, has recently endorsed the core strategies to deal with the epidemic in India.

Mr Lov Verma, secretary, ministry of health and family welfare, Government of India addressed the consultation while the opening remarks were presented by Mr Anshu Prakash, joint secretary, ministry of health and family welfare. Dr Nata Menabde, WHO representative to India also addressed the consultation on 22nd May, 2014.