New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry has initiated an Intensified Special NCD Screening Drive aimed at achieving complete coverage for individuals aged 30 and older, in response to the rising prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the nation.
This campaign, which commenced on February 20 and will run until March 31, 2025, focuses on screening for major NCDs such as Diabetes, Hypertension, and three prevalent cancers: Oral, Breast, and Cervical.
The initiative will be implemented through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) and various healthcare facilities across the country, as part of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).
The campaign features several key components designed to enhance its effectiveness. Trained community health workers, including Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Auxiliary Nurses and midwives (ANMs), will conduct door-to-door outreach to maximize screening efforts, ensuring that individuals are reached in their homes.
States and Union Territories will ensure that essential medical supplies, such as blood pressure monitors and glucometers, are readily available at healthcare centres. Additionally, real-time monitoring will be established, with daily updates on screening and treatment data uploaded to the NP-NCD Portal to maintain transparency.
Coordination will be strengthened through the appointment of nodal officers at various administrative levels, and daily progress reports will be submitted to the Ministry by 6 PM, facilitating ongoing oversight and support.
The Intensified Screening Campaign is designed to accomplish several key objectives. First, it aims for complete screening coverage to facilitate early detection and prompt intervention for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Second, the campaign focuses on enhancing the connection to care by implementing organized treatment and follow-up protocols, which will help minimize complications related to NCDs. Lastly, the initiative is anticipated to reduce healthcare expenses and improve the overall quality of life for people throughout the country.
“The Government of India is dedicated to bolstering preventive healthcare and ensuring that quality health services are accessible to all under the Ayushman Bharat initiative. This targeted effort represents a crucial advancement toward a healthier, NCD-free India, empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being,” the Ministry stated.
– global bihari bureau
