Noncommunicable Disease Prevention and Control Situation in a Primary Health Care Setting of Bangladesh: Design and Baseline Findings of an Intervention

Background: Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) have been increasing in Bangladesh. It is necessary to examine the capacity of the Primary Health Care (PHC) system and its response to an intervention to strengthen NCD control measures. Current paper presents the initial finding of the assessment of capacity of PHC system in dealing with NCD prevention and control through a basic minimum intervention in an Upazila of Bangladesh.
Methods: The assessment of the capacity of PHC was done in Debhata upazila of Satkhira district using interviews, record reviews and observations using check lists and questionnaires. A basic minimum intervention was done to see its appropriateness in a view to detect, prevent and manage NCDs, and to generate evidence to substantiate control measures. The intervention included such components as (a) strengthening health system through training and supply of equipment and medicines; (b) promoting medical information system and evidence generation, and (c) creation of public awareness through observance of NCD related days and campaigns.
Results: Doctors, nurses, technologists and filed level workers were present as per approved post and providing services. Relevant medicines, as per WHO essential drug list, were either supplied inadequate quantities or not supplied at all. Newly established NCD corner was not able to function adequately. The attendance of patients with NCDs was also poor (only 427 patients in 2013). Detection and referral of cases from field by the health workers were absent. Training of people and supply of essential equipment/logistics have improved functions substantially. With a short training and provision of equipment, health assistants could conducts NCD risk factor survey with satisfactory quality.
Conclusion: Relevant backbone for NCD prevention and control is already existent at PHC level. Strengthening skills of personnel and provision of essential medicines and technologies can improve capacity of PHC system to deal with NCDs.