Non-infectious diseases, such as cancer, kidney problem, hypertension and diabetes, are long-term illness but can be controlled with early treatment.
At a programme where National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM) unveiled its survey on non-infectious diseases at the secretariat, Malik said that about 800,000 people die in Bangladesh every year.
Findings of the survey revealed that at least 97 percent people between the age of 18 and 69 are at the risk of noncommunicable diseases. People who are smokers, eat less vegetables and fruits daily, do less physical exercise, overweight, take medicine for high blood pressure are more prone to such diseases.
“Noncommunicable diseases are on the rise in the country. We don’t have sufficient means to prevent such diseases but we’re trying our best,” Minister Malik said.
He assured that cancer and kidney hospitals will be established in eight divisions.
Quoting the survey, he said that 70 percent people did not take sugar test, 90 percent did not check cholesterol level, 25 percent were overweight and never do physical excise and eat less fruits.
“To remain safe from noncommunicable diseases, we must avoid adulterated foods and reduce intake of oil, sugar and salt,” the minister added.