At a time when communicable disease is hardly under control in Nepal, the results of the survey raise several questions not only about our health system but also about our lifestyle. The survey, based on 2,030 respondents of the aforementioned age group, attributes consumption of tobacco and alcohol, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, over weight and blood pressure as the key factors for the rise of NCD. Nepal is already stifled by never ending ailments of unemployment and poor education. It cannot afford to bear the extra burden of health risks and put a large chunk of its efficient work force under the deadly threat.
The World Bank report of 2011 has warned South Asian countries, including Nepal, of the health crisis it is facing with the rise in various forms of NCDs. Such a rise is going to affect the poor families most, and resulting in disabilities and premature death of the people. If the situation in Kathmandu is like this, the state of affairs in the rural areas with limited health facilities and little awareness of hygiene can be well imagined.
In a race of being urban-centered, Kathmanduties seem to have taken the wrong path by listing themselves very high on the NCD risk list. The constant pressure to succeed professionally and academically, unhealthy lifestyle (the male respondents admitted to 49 days of binge drinking while women admitted to 28 days per year and 30 percent of them reported of being habitual smokers) and food habits leading to obesity have added to these problems. Despite being exposed to substantial health services, information and education, it is disheartening to know that Kathmandu is hit by this problem.
To prevent the worse scenario, the government should take effective measures to inform people about the potential harms and hazards of smoking and drinking habits warning them of possible inflictions the NCD might cause in the future. It should issue prohibition notification not to allow underage to purchase and consume alcohol and cigarettes. The prohibition should strictly be enforced. As we say this, however, we are equally aware that it is an individual’s choice to opt for a health and lifestyle when information and health facilities are so easily available in the Capital. But by living in a fast growing and competitive city we have also invited huge stress to our lives. And it is easier to deal with such stresses only if we have healthy hearts and bodies.
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