The Indian Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has recently rolled out its Intensified Special Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Screening Campaign, a significant initiative aimed at addressing the alarming rise of NCDs across the nation. The campaign commenced on February 20, 2025, and will continue until March 31, 2025, with the ambitious goal of achieving 100% screening of all individuals aged 30 years and above.
This campaign primarily targets prevalent conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and common cancers: oral, breast, and cervical cancers. The initiative is being implemented under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) and will take place at various healthcare facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) throughout the country.
According to the Ministry of Health, one of the highlights of the campaign is the door-to-door outreach strategy. Trained healthcare workers, including Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAS), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and frontline health workers, will visit households to maximize screening coverage. “We are committed to reaching individuals right at their homes to detect these diseases early,” stated Dr. Mandeep Kaur, District Family Welfare Officer.
To support this massive effort, each state and Union Territory has been tasked with ensuring the availability of medical supplies at healthcare centres, including blood pressure monitors and glucometers. The initiative also emphasizes real-time monitoring of data related to screening, treatment, and follow-ups. “Data will be uploaded daily onto the NP-NCD portal, ensuring transparency and accountability,” said Dr. Rajwinder Kaur, Civil Surgeon of Ferozepur.
The campaign aims to establish structured treatment protocols and follow-up mechanisms to reduce complications associated with NCDs effectively. The government plans to provide regular updates and reviews on the campaign’s progress, as states and UTs will need to report daily by 6 PM.
“We not only aim for screening but also wish to improve linkage to care, thereby enhancing health outcomes,” pointed out Dr. Parvaiz Ahmed Khan, Chief Medical Officer of Poonch. The Ministry believes these efforts are instrumental in lowering healthcare costs and improving the quality of life for the population.
Aside from individual screenings, the campaign encourages community involvement through meetings with local health committees. These engagements are aimed at mobilizing public participation and ensuring comprehensive awareness of NCDs and their risk factors.
“This campaign marks a significant step toward achieving the goal of NCD prevention and control, and it empowers citizens to actively participate in safeguarding their health and well-being,” remarked Minister of Health & Family Welfare.
With this heightened focus on non-communicable diseases, the government is reaffirming its commitment to preventive healthcare and universal access to quality health services under the Ayushman Bharat initiative.
To date, NCDs account for around 63% of all deaths in India, indicating the pressing need for widespread awareness and preventive measures. The Intensified NCD Screening Campaign is seen as one of the proactive strategies to combat this health crisis and promote healthier lifestyles across the country.