I now have comprehensive information from the NP-NCD Revised Operational Guidelines (2023–2030) and the NHM training module. Here is a detailed response:
Evaluation of Performance of NP-NCD (National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases)
Overview of the M&E Framework
The NP-NCD (formerly NPCDCS) uses a programme monitoring and evaluation (M&E) cycle as mandated under its Revised Operational Guidelines 2023–2030 and supervised by the ICMR as the nodal agency for surveillance, monitoring, evaluation & research. The framework follows a four-component cycle:
Four Components of the M&E Cycle
| Component | Description |
|---|
| 1. Programme Monitoring | Data collection, performance management, and data quality assurance |
| 2. Evaluation | Use of data for decision-making; rapid assessment of programme effectiveness and impact |
| 3. Learning | Documentation, reporting, and dissemination of programme findings |
| 4. Planning | Defining indicators and their data sources |
Step-by-Step Evaluation Process
Step 1: Define and Finalize the List of Indicators
Indicators are identified at national and sub-national levels across five domains:
| Indicator Type | What It Measures | Examples |
|---|
| Input | Resources devoted to the programme | Infrastructure status of NCD cells, HR sanctioned vs. filled posts |
| Process | How programme services are delivered | % districts with Standard Treatment Protocols, % NCD clinics functional |
| Output | Quantity of services produced | Number of persons screened, number enrolled on NCD Portal |
| Outcome | Broader results achieved | Detection rate, treatment rate, control rate of HTN/DM |
| Impact | Long-term population-level disease changes | Reduction in premature NCD mortality, prevalence of risk factors |
Key outcome indicators specifically tracked:
- Detection Rate: Newly diagnosed cases per eligible population screened per year
- Treatment Rate: Those currently on treatment out of those diagnosed
- Control Rate: Those achieving target values (controlled BP/blood glucose) among those on medication
Step 2: Establish Baseline Assessment at District Level
- Before initiating M&E cycles, a district-level baseline of all indicators is collected
- This is done via the National NCD Portal and monthly reporting forms from State/District NCD Divisions and CHC/NCD Clinics
- The CHC/Block level is the first level where major programme activities are envisaged; all data elements are collected here for computing input and process indicators
Step 3: Data Collection — Routine & Periodic
Data collection follows specific frequencies per indicator type:
| Indicator Type | Recommended Frequency |
|---|
| Input indicators (infrastructure, HR) | Quarterly / Half-yearly |
| Process indicators (STPs, NCD clinics, IEC) | Monthly, Quarterly, Annually |
| Output/Outcome indicators (enrolment, ABHA-ID, screening rates) | Monthly, Quarterly, Annually |
| Impact indicators (mortality, prevalence of risk factors) | Biennial / Five-yearly |
Tools used for data collection:
- National NCD Portal (primary digital tool)
- Monthly reporting forms (block, district, state)
- Published reports at all levels with NCD content
Step 4: Data Quality Assurance
- ~10% of collected data must undergo quality checks each quarter or half-year by programme managers
- State teams conduct regular monitoring visits to districts and below for data quality checks
- Checks assess: completeness, validation, service delivery effectiveness, and health outcomes against defined indicators
- Proportion of health facilities actively reporting through the IT system is itself tracked as a process indicator
Step 5: Performance Management — Supportive Supervision
At each level, designated NCD programme management units are responsible:
National NCD Cell:
- Monitors programme through HMIS, review meetings, field observations, surveillance, and operational research
- Conducts Joint Supportive Supervision Mission visits to States/UTs
- Reviews data from the National NCD Portal and shares findings with states for action
- Releases funds per State PIP approved in NPCC meetings, monitoring via key deliverable indicators
State NCD Division:
- Visits blocks and peripheral units to monitor, evaluate, and surveil NCD activities
- Organizes review meetings and orientation workshops
- Submits monthly/quarterly progress reports to the State NCD Division via the National NCD Portal
District Level:
- Key indicators at this level are process and output indicators from routine reports
- Outcome indicators require population-level data (supplemented by surveys)
Step 6: Fix Targets for Each Indicator Across Time Frames
- Targets are adapted from WHO global NCD targets to national context
- Short-term targets aligned with Five-Year Plans and SDG Target 3.4 (reduce premature NCD mortality by one-third by 2030)
- Intermediate targets allow programme strategy modification based on effectiveness
- India may prioritize certain aspects (e.g., hypertension control) in the immediate future
Step 7: Periodic Review at State and National Level
- Review meetings at state and national levels assess progress against targets
- Data from the National NCD Portal is the primary tool for performance tracking
- Proportion of active MOs (Medical Officers) on the National NCD Portal in the last 30 days (denominator: total MOs) is tracked as a process indicator
- IT system usage across SHC, PHC, and NCD Clinics at CHC/DH is monitored monthly
Step 8: Evaluation Studies — Rapid Assessment and Implementation Research
- Rapid assessments of programme effectiveness are conducted
- Implementation research/evaluation studies commissioned or conducted by the national/state NCD cell
- These evaluate whether intended results are being achieved as planned
- Outcomes benchmarked internationally to track time trends of key indicators
Step 9: Learning — Documentation and Dissemination
- Findings are documented, reported, and disseminated at all levels
- Lessons inform policy development, advocacy for financial allocations, and reinforce political commitment
- Annual/bi-annual review meetings integrate learning into the next planning cycle
Step 10: Surveillance — Population-Level Component (ICMR as Nodal Agency)
Since NCDs are multifactorial and services are also provided in the private sector, outcome and impact indicators require population-level data, obtained via:
- National NCD Monitoring Survey (NNMS) — provides prevalence data of NCD risk factors (e.g., tobacco use 32.8%, alcohol use 15.9%, insufficient physical activity 41.3% from 2017–18)
- GATS (Global Adult Tobacco Survey) for tobacco-specific data
- National Cancer Registry Programme for cancer case data
- These surveys occur biennially or five-yearly
Summary Flow of NP-NCD Performance Evaluation
Define indicators (Input → Process → Output → Outcome → Impact)
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Collect baseline at district/CHC level
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Routine data collection via National NCD Portal & reporting forms
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Data quality assurance (10% quarterly checks + monitoring visits)
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Supportive supervision at national, state, district, block levels
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Fix and track targets (short-term + SDG 2030 alignment)
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Periodic review meetings (state + national)
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Rapid assessments & implementation research/evaluation studies
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Documentation, reporting, dissemination (Learning)
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Population surveillance (NNMS, GATS, Cancer Registry) for impact
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Feedback into planning cycle
Key Reference Documents