India has over six crore diabetics, second only to China

India is home to 63 million diabetics, second only to China, government said on Tuesday, adding a programme to contain its spread has been expanded all over the country.

Health Minister J P Nadda told Rajya Sabha that campaign, National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), has been extended to all the states.. "During the 11th Five Year Plan, the focus was on 100 districts in 21 states for prevention and control of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and stroke. In the 12th Five Year Plan, the programme has been expanded to all the states in the country," he said.

While health is a state subject, the Central government supplements their efforts and facilities including those for testing and treatment for diabetes are provided in various government institutions. In addition, under NPCDCS, diagnosis and treatment facilities are provided through different levels of healthcare including NCD Clinics located in District Hospitals and Community Health Centres (CHCs), he said.