The India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) was launched to improve blood pressure control at primary health centres. Which strategy is central to its approach?
- A Protocol-driven treatment with simplified drug regimens and dispensing of up to three months of medication per visit ✓
- B Screening restricted to hospital outpatient departments only
- C Referral of all newly diagnosed hypertensives to cardiologists for individualised therapy
- D Homeopathic and lifestyle therapy as first-line management
Correct answer: A. Protocol-driven treatment with simplified drug regimens and dispensing of up to three months of medication per visit
Explanation
IHCI, started in 2017 with WHO India support, uses standardized treatment protocols, team-based care involving non-physician health workers, reliable drug supply, and dispensing of up to three months of medicines to reduce visit burden. Referral of every patient to specialists would overwhelm tertiary care and defeat the purpose of primary care based management, which is the core design principle of the initiative.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.