Table 4 Health policies for the management of NCDs in PHC

Knowledge and capacity building in NCDs

-National Training Plan

“The ministry has been giving us training in noncommunicable diseases. In 2012, they gave us a complete course, which was specifically about diabetes, high blood pressure ...” Health Educator.

Having specific protocols and intervention plans

“The protocols are created by the National Institute of Health. As ECOS we have protocols for both the prevention and treatment of NCDs. They existed before the 2017 guidelines, but have been evaluate. They are already on the third validation” Family doctor.

Coordination throughout the healthcare system

“In the integrated and comprehensive health networks, networking has improved communication between the first level and the hospital”. Departmental coordinator.

Intersectoral participation

“In the intersectoral participate the mayor’s office, the church, some community leaders, the health unit, the police, civil protection services, the house of culture and, education” Intermunicipal coordinator.

Interventions focused on prevention and health promotion

“Informative workshops are given, community-based, peer support groups for NCDs are formed, and we also use the mass media to inform the population” GP.

More medication and medical supplies

“Medication supplies have been improved, glucometers too, now that the Ministry provides them. There are also more lab tests available” Health educator.

Better prioritization of resources

“We can only evaluate and prioritize certain health programs and resources” Pharmacist.

Community engagement

“The work of the NHF is complementary, because we do the healing part and they do the awareness part, with social participation, with promotion and accountability” Health educator.

Medical specialists at the community level

“Community approaches of the specialized team go once a month to each unit and have an annual scheduling”. Intermunicipal coordinator.

Epidemiological surveillance of NCDs

-Morbidity and mortality database (SIMMOW)

-Map of health inequalities

“The beginning of the epidemiological surveillance of NCDs has been carried out for a year now. Each Eco has identified its chronic patients for follow-up and medication. In addition, data on drug supply are also included” Intermunicipal coordinator.