Over 88 million women have undergone cervical cancer screening under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), according to Union Health Minister JP Nadda‘s statement in the Rajya Sabha. Of these, nearly 98,000 cases were diagnosed with the disease.
Under the same initiative, more than 14 crore women were screened for breast cancer, identifying nearly 56,000 cases. Additionally, over 26 crore individuals were screened for oral cancer, with approximately 1.56 lakh cases detected.
The programme also facilitated screenings for other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with 32.52 crore people assessed for hypertension and 32.36 crore for diabetes. Diagnosed cases amounted to 3.21 crore and 2.05 crore, respectively.
Launched in 2010 by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, NP-NCD aims to prevent and control major NCDs, including stroke, by focusing on health promotion, early diagnosis, treatment, and referral services. Key components include strengthening healthcare infrastructure, developing human resources, and promoting disease awareness.
Under this programme, the government has established 770 District NCD Clinics, 233 Cardiac Care Units, 372 District Day Care Centres, and 6,410 Community Health Centres. Community-based risk assessments are conducted by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) using the Community-Based Assessment Checklist (CBAC) for individuals aged 30 years and above. High-risk individuals are referred for further screening of common NCDs.
The initiative emphasizes population-based screening to enhance disease management through early detection, regular follow-ups, and treatment adherence.
In 2018, the government launched the National NCD Portal under NP-NCD to streamline screening, management, and continuity of care for five common NCDs. Screening and preventive services are provided by trained frontline workers, including ASHAs and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs). Referral support is ensured through Community Health Centres, District Hospitals, and tertiary care institutions, ensuring a continuum of care for affected individuals.
Source of Information: https://www.business-standard.com/health/88-mn-women-screened-for-cervical-cancer-under-national-programme-govt-124121701105_1.html
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