Health Ministry Initiates Nationwide Screening for High BP, Diabetes, and Cancer

Synopsis

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has initiated a nationwide screening campaign for high BP, diabetes, and cancer, targeting adults aged 30 and older. This initiative aims for 100% screening coverage to combat the rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases in India.

Key Takeaways

Nationwide screening for NCDs launched.
Targets adults aged 30 and over.
Campaign runs from February 20 to March 31.
Conducted door-to-door by trained workers.
Data transparency via NP-NCD Portal.

New Delhi, Feb 20 (NationPress) In an effort to combat the rising incidence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a comprehensive nationwide screening initiative targeting hypertension (commonly referred to as high BP), diabetes, and cancer among adults aged 30 and older.

The Intensified Special NCD Screening Campaign will be active from February 20 through March 31.

This campaign “aims to achieve 100% screening of individuals aged 30 and above for prevalent NCDs, including diabetes, hypertension, and three common cancers—oral, breast, and cervical,” stated the ministry.

“The Government of India is dedicated to enhancing preventive healthcare and providing universal access to quality health services under the Ayushman Bharat initiative. This special drive represents a crucial step toward a healthier, NCD-free India, empowering citizens to manage their health and wellness,” it continued.

Importantly, the screening will be conducted door-to-door by trained ASHAs, ANMs, and frontline workers who will visit communities to ensure extensive screening coverage, reaching individuals at their residences.

Moreover, the campaign will also be implemented at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) and various healthcare facilities nationwide, under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).

This screening initiative is timely, given the sharp rise in NCDs in the country. Data from the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) indicates that NCDs account for 66% of total mortality in India.

The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers has emerged as a major public health concern, especially among those over 30.

The campaign's goal is to ensure early diagnosis and prompt intervention for NCDs—essential for better outcomes and minimizing complications associated with these diseases. This initiative is expected to reduce healthcare expenses and improve the overall quality of life for individuals across the country, according to the ministry.

To maintain transparency and accountability, the ministry has announced that data regarding screenings, treatments, and follow-ups will be updated daily on the NP-NCD Portal. It has also instructed States and Union Territories (UTs) to provide necessary medical supplies, including BP monitors, glucometers, and essential medications at all healthcare centers. States and UTs are required to report updates to the ministry by 6 PM daily.