Medtronic LABS stands unwavering in its commitment to tackling the world’s most critical health challenges, and a shining testament to this dedication is our work in Bangladesh’s fight against noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
NCDs account for 67% of all deaths in Bangladesh, so the battle against NCDs is multi-dimensional, encompassing facets like infrastructure, technology, partnerships, and proactive community engagement.
Key figures driving this initiative are Vinay Hasija, Head of Design, and Garima Sahai, Head of Implementation Excellence. Their dedication and expertise have been paramount in optimizing the trajectory of the NCD 360 program in the region.
With insights from Vinay and Garima, we dive deep into the transformative journey of our NCD 360 initiative in Bangladesh.
Charting a New Path in NCD Care Through Partnerships
Traditionally, Bangladesh’s healthcare system has been geared towards managing communicable diseases, leaving it struggling to address the surging NCD epidemic. The government instituted “NCD corners” at Upazila health complexes to bridge this gap for specialized services. But challenges persisted—shortages of trained personnel, essential medical equipment, and a clear referral and follow-up framework.
Recognizing this dire need, we at Medtronic LABS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and BRAC—the world’s most expansive non-governmental development organization—embarked on a multi-year partnership. Our vision materialized as the NCD 360 Program, an initiative laser-focused on hypertension and diabetes, which aims to redefine NCD care in Bangladesh.
Our endeavor in Bangladesh embodies a genuine multi-stakeholder collaboration involving Medtronic LABS, BRAC, and the government of Bangladesh. While Medtronic LABS is focused on tailoring the SPICE technology to the specific needs of Bangladesh, BRAC plays a pivotal role in facilitating effective implementation.
By harmonizing our technological strengths with BRAC’s comprehensive ground-level insight, we’re helping to fortify Bangladesh’s NCD care infrastructure.
Our Vision for a Healthier Tomorrow
Our ambitions for the program are clear-cut and transformative:
- Swiftly identify and diagnose diabetic and hypertensive patients
- Bolster treatment adherence
- Ensure easy access to clinical care
- Encourage positive behavioral shifts in NCD management
- Deploy a technologically advanced, data-centric healthcare delivery model
In aligning with Medtronic LABS’ overarching mission, the NCD 360 Program emerges not merely as a health initiative but as an innovative blueprint for impactful healthcare.
Our Journey: Achievements and Challenges
In the short span since the program’s launch, we’ve observed significant progress:
- Training for 25 Healthcare Providers and 220 Community Health Workers
- Screening of 9,000 individuals, with 5,500 referred for further evaluation
- Successful enrollment of 1,700 patients into hypertension and diabetes care regimens
But our path hasn’t been devoid of hurdles—from changing medical officer assignments to occasional supply shortages. Yet, with proactive engagement and ongoing coordination, we, alongside BRAC, have managed to overcome these obstacles.
The Heartbeat of Our Program: The Community
Our 360-degree NCD Care Program places community needs at its heart. With tailor-made digital tools, such as offline screening apps and QR code-based patient IDs, we’re directly addressing the challenges faced by community health workers. Furthermore, our constant dialogue with local communities ensures their insights shape our program’s trajectory.
Forward-Thinking: A Sustainable Future
While we celebrate our immediate accomplishments, our eyes are set on the future. We’re committed to sustainability by empowering NCD Corners and Community Clinics and nurturing a sense of local ownership of NCD care in Bangladesh. The positive outcomes from our pilot phase will hopefully pave the way for a nationwide embrace of our program.
We’re optimistic about the NCD 360’s future in Bangladesh. Medtronic LABS and BRAC envision a brighter, healthier future through refining methodologies, expanding our reach, and fostering research partnerships.
For those who share our passion, myriad opportunities await—whether it’s in the realm of NCD awareness content development or collaborative research ventures. Together, we can be agents of change, ensuring that NCDs no longer overshadow Bangladesh’s vibrant communities.
At Medtronic LABS, we’re not just envisioning a healthier Bangladesh; we’re committed to actualizing it.
To learn more about NCD 360, click here.
