Should Raghav Chadha Push for Annual Health Check-Ups as a Legal Right for Citizens?
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Synopsis
Raghav Chadha's call for making annual health check-ups a legal right for every citizen is a significant step toward equitable healthcare in India. With rising health issues post-Covid-19, this initiative could save lives through early detection. Should the government take action on this vital demand?
Key Takeaways
- Raghav Chadha advocates for legal rights to health check-ups.
- Post-Covid-19 health issues are on the rise.
- Regular check-ups can lead to early detection and save lives.
- Equitable healthcare access is essential for all citizens.
- Non-communicable diseases account for over 70% of deaths.
New Delhi, July 22 (NationPress) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha has called on the government to establish annual health check-ups as a legal entitlement for all citizens.
During his address in the Rajya Sabha amid the Monsoon Session, Chadha highlighted the alarming increase in heart failures and various health problems following the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I raised a demand in Parliament: make annual health check-up a legal right of every citizen,” he stated on the social media platform X.
“Post Covid-19, we’re observing a significant rise in heart failures and other health complications. Early detection can save lives.”
He emphasized that many developed nations provide free annual health assessments funded by the government. “Why not in India?” he questioned.
“Healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for the affluent,” Chadha added, asserting that routine medical evaluations must be accessible to everyone, not just to those with financial means.
“Jaanch hai toh jaan hai (If there’s a check-up, there’s life),” he remarked.
These remarks come in the wake of numerous sudden heart attacks, strokes, and other severe illnesses affecting even young and healthy individuals recently.
Regular health checks can identify numerous medical issues early and help avert fatalities.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and hypertension contribute to over 70 percent of annual deaths.
Consistent screening for these conditions could bridge a significant health gap.
Despite the escalating burden of NCDs, the government launched a nationwide NCD screening initiative earlier this year.
This screening drive, conducted across Ayushman Arogya Mandir facilities and other healthcare institutions, “achieved 89.7 percent of its target.”
Furthermore, the Health Ministry initiated the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) in 2010.
This program employs a comprehensive strategy that includes early detection and screening for individuals aged 30 and above, implementing screenings across all levels of healthcare delivery, and providing support for accurate diagnosis and cost-effective treatment options.
It also offers teleconsultation services, monitors national NCDs through a specialized portal, and coordinates inter-ministerial efforts to promote NCD awareness and healthy lifestyle choices.
Point of View
Raghav Chadha's advocacy for making annual health check-ups a legal right aligns with the broader goal of enhancing public health and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases. This initiative could significantly improve health outcomes and ensure that healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of economic status. The nation must prioritize such measures.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Raghav Chadha want annual health check-ups to be a legal right?
He believes that early detection can save lives, especially in light of rising health issues post-Covid-19.
What are non-communicable diseases (NCDs)?
NCDs are diseases that are not transmissible directly from one person to another, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes.
How can regular health check-ups benefit citizens?
Routine health assessments can help in the early detection of health issues, potentially preventing serious conditions and fatalities.
What has the government done regarding NCDs?
The government launched a nationwide NCD screening campaign and has a National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs in place.
How do developed countries handle health check-ups?
Many developed countries provide free annual health check-ups funded by the government to ensure public health.
