India Launches Intensified NCD Screening Campaign for 100% Coverage
New Delhi, February 20, 2025: The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has launched an Intensified Special NCD Screening Campaign to tackle the rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India. Running from February 20 to March 31, 2025, the initiative aims to screen 100% of individuals aged 30 years and above for common NCDs, including Diabetes, Hypertension, and three major cancers—Oral, Breast, and Cervical.
The campaign will be implemented through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) and other healthcare facilities under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). With a strong emphasis on early detection and timely intervention, this initiative is expected to significantly reduce NCD-related complications and fatalities.
Key Features of the Campaign
1. Door-to-Door Screening by Health Workers
To ensure maximum outreach, trained Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and other frontline workers will conduct community visits. They will go door-to-door, encouraging individuals to get screened and spreading awareness about the importance of early diagnosis.
2. Health Check-Ups at Government Facilities
Individuals can also undergo free screening at their nearest Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM), Primary Health Center (PHC), or Community Health Center (CHC). These facilities have been equipped with necessary medical infrastructure to conduct blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar tests, and cancer screenings.
3. Integration with Digital Health Records
All health screenings will be recorded in digital health records under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). This will help in tracking patients, ensuring follow-ups, and providing continuous care for those diagnosed with any NCDs.
4. Community Awareness and Health Promotion
The campaign will also focus on educating the public about risk factors, preventive measures, and lifestyle changes necessary to combat NCDs. Awareness activities will include:
✔ Health camps in urban and rural areas.
✔ Workshops and counseling sessions on healthy diets and physical activity.
✔ Social media campaigns and pamphlet distribution to reach wider audiences.
Why This Campaign Is Crucial?
Non-Communicable Diseases are responsible for over 60% of total deaths in India. Conditions like diabetes and hypertension often remain undiagnosed until complications arise, while oral, breast, and cervical cancers can be effectively treated if detected early. By ensuring timely screening, this campaign aims to reduce disease burden, improve survival rates, and lower healthcare costs for individuals and the system.
Expected Benefits of the Initiative
- Early diagnosis of chronic diseases, leading to timely treatment.
- Reduction in hospitalizations and long-term complications through preventive care.
- Increased public awareness about NCD risk factors and lifestyle modifications.
- Stronger primary healthcare infrastructure for ongoing disease monitoring.
Conclusion
The Intensified Special NCD Screening Campaign is a major step toward strengthening India’s healthcare system and addressing the growing challenge of Non-Communicable Diseases. With the support of health workers, government facilities, and community participation, this initiative will help build a healthier and more disease-resilient nation. Citizens are encouraged to participate actively by getting screened at the nearest health center or through door-to-door visits.
