Implementation of the National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) in Meghalaya

In the late 1970s, India witnessed a change in the pattern of diseases from communicable to non communicable diseases (NCDs), a process which is known as epidemiologic transition. As the prevalence of NCDs increased in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2010 launched the National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS). However, there are limited studies that have documented the implementation of this program in northeastern states of India. Hence, the present qualitative study aims to critically establish the main challenges in implementing the NPCDCS program in Meghalaya. West Jaintia Hills district was selected using convenience sampling. Fieldwork was conducted between October 2020 and January 2021 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In-depth interviews, participant observations, informal discussions, and everyday conversations were the data collection methods used. The respondents for the study include the stakeholders involved in the NPCDCS program at different levels of public health facilities. The interview script written directly after the interview and field notes were used for thematic analysis. Findings showed there were many challenges in the implementation of the program. Some of the significant challenges are shortages of health workers, vacant posts, inadequate training on NCD care, irregular supply of medicines and consumables required for the screening, inadequate information education materials, overburdened staff, and logistical and documentation issues.