Has the Govt’s NCD Screening Drive Really Diagnosed Over 5 Crore Adults with Hypertension and 3 Crore with Diabetes?

New Delhi, Aug 5 (NationPress) The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) has identified more than 5 crore adults suffering from hypertension and 3 crore with diabetes, according to Prataprao Jadhav, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Health and Family Welfare, on Tuesday.

“NP-NCD, previously known as NPCDCS, was initiated by the Department of Health and Family Welfare to enhance infrastructure, develop human resources, promote health, and facilitate early diagnosis, management, and referral to suitable healthcare facilities,” Jadhav stated during a reply in Parliament amid the ongoing Monsoon session.

This nationwide initiative for the prevention, control, and screening of common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) was launched under the National Health Mission (NHM) as part of Comprehensive Primary Health Care in 2016. The program primarily targets individuals over the age of 30 for screening.

According to the National NCD portal, “over 38.9 crore individuals have been screened for hypertension; 5.13 crore have been diagnosed; and 4.74 crore are receiving treatment across India,” Jadhav mentioned.

“In the case of diabetes, more than 38.7 crore have undergone screening, of which 3.45 crore have been diagnosed, and 2.83 crore are currently under treatment,” he added.

The screening initiative also included assessments for oral, breast, and cervical cancers.

“Over 32.8 crore individuals have been screened for oral cancer, with 94 percent of diagnosed cases receiving treatment,” the Minister noted.

“More than 17.2 crore have been screened for breast cancer, resulting in 41,386 diagnoses. Additionally, over 10.2 crore were screened for cervical cancer, with 90,291 diagnosed cases,” he remarked.

Jadhav also emphasized that infrastructure at the district and Community Health Centre levels under NP-NCD has been significantly improved to combat NCDs.

These centers offer prevention, control, and screening services delivered by trained frontline workers such as Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM).

Furthermore, the Minister revealed that the Strengthening of Tertiary Cancer Care Centres Facilities scheme provides financial aid as a one-time grant of up to Rs 120 crore for State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and up to Rs 45 crore for Tertiary Cancer Care Centres (TCCCs), including the State share.

“Currently, 19 SCIs and 20 TCCCs have been approved nationwide,” he stated, adding that these institutions act as vital hubs for advanced cancer care, diagnosis, research, and capacity building, equipped with specialized infrastructure and expert personnel.