Govt launches screening drive against NCDs in adults

In response to the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) across the nation, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has launched a special NCD screening drive to ensure 100% coverage of individuals aged 30 years and above. The drive, which will run from 20th February to 31st March, aims to detect and manage NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, and common cancers like oral, breast, and cervical cancer.
This nationwide initiative is part of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) and will be executed at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) and other healthcare facilities. The campaign focuses on door-to-door outreach, with trained healthcare workers ensuring that screening services reach individuals directly in their homes.
Key highlights of the campaign include a door-to-door outreach by ASHA workers, ANMs, and other frontline health workers to maximize screening coverage. States and Union Territories (UTs) will ensure the availability of BP monitors, glucometers, and necessary medications at healthcare centres.
Real-time monitoring of data on screenings, treatments, and follow-ups will be updated daily on the NP-NCD Portal. Nodal officers will be appointed to oversee the campaign’s execution at facility, block, district, and state levels. States and UTs will also provide daily progress updates to the Ministry by 6 PM for continuous monitoring and technical support.
Government health facilities across the country will conduct screenings for hypertension, diabetes, and oral, breast, and cervical cancer. This campaign aims to boost early detection and timely intervention, improving linkage to care and reducing complications associated with NCDs. It is expected to enhance the quality of life and reduce healthcare costs, bringing India closer to the goal of universal healthcare under the Ayushman Bharat initiative.