Focus to make Chittoor a model in NCD control, DMHO tells officials

District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) D.T. Sudharani on Friday (February 06, 2026) asked officials to ensure Chittoor district emerges as a model in the effective control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

The DMHO was speaking at a special meeting held at the Collectorate to mark the launch of the STAR NCD Research Project of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), implemented under the district medical and Health Department.

Dr. Sudharani said that the project would play a key role in strengthening the public healthcare system to scientifically address the rising burden of NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. She added that special measures are being taken to ensure immediate implementation of the programme.

District Coordinator of Hospital Services (DCHS) Dr. Padmanjali Devi said that NCD clinics would be established in secondary hospitals in coordination with the ICMR team. In the first phase, NCD clinics, HbA1c testing, and spirometry services will be launched at Bangarupalem and P. Kothakota CHCs.

Project Principal Investigator Dr. Dorothy Lal said that the initiative will initially cover S.R. Puram, G.D. Nellore, Irala, and Bangarupalem mandals and will be expanded district-wide in later phases. The project was formally inaugurated with the release of registers and awareness posters.