New Delhi: With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) claiming nearly five million lives in India every year, the Centre today said yoga can help control these diseases and that the ancient Indian practice is being encouraged as an integral part of their prevention and management.

Launching a campaign on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to generate awareness among the people and an M-Diabetes initiative where people can get information on prevention and management of diabetes through a missed call, Health Minister JP Nadda said prevention of diseases, whether non-communicable or communicable, will remain at the forefront of his government.

"Yoga and knowledge in AYUSH system of medicine can be of great help in not only preventing but also controlling non-communicable diseases. Traditional system of medicines can complement modern medicine.

"Yoga is not only physical activity but also a complete science of living. Yoga as an intervention is being encouraged as an integral part of NCD prevention and management," Mr Nadda said at a national conference on 'Prevention and Control of Major NCD in India'.

Mr Nadda also launched the second round of Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2) for systematically monitoring adult tobacco use and tracking key tobacco control indicators.

"Prevention of disease will always remain in the forefront, whether for communicable or NCD and awareness regarding a balanced lifestyle and healthy living is a crucial pillar in combating NCDs," Mr Nadda said.

Mr Nadda said as most of major NCDs, generally labeled as 'lifestyle diseases', are acquired, there is an urgent need for paying attention to their preventive aspects and social behaviour change plays a major role in preventing NCDs.

Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik said there is a need for a holistic approach for maintaining good health and to integrate traditional medicinal practices and healthy lifestyle for leading a healthy life.

According to the World Health Organization, every year, roughly 5.8 million Indians die from heart and lung diseases, stroke, cancer and diabetes.