Union Health Minister JP Nadda has urged Members of Parliament to facilitate annual health check-ups for citizens in their constituencies to enable early detection of diseases. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, he highlighted the government's initiative to conduct free screenings for individuals aged 30 and above at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. These check-ups aim to identify conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer.
Since the campaign's launch, 35 crore people have been screened, revealing 4.2 crore cases of hypertension and 2.6 crore cases of diabetes. Among the 29.35 crore individuals tested for oral cancer, 1.18 crore were diagnosed with the disease.
Nadda also provided updates on cancer treatment facilities in the country. At present, there are 372 daycare cancer centres, 19 state cancer centres, and 22 tertiary cancer centres. He emphasized that all AIIMS institutions are equipped with modern cancer care facilities. Additionally, the 1,400-bed super-specialty hospital in Jhajjar, Haryana, is recognized as one of the world’s top cancer hospitals.
To expand cancer treatment accessibility, the government plans to establish a cancer daycare centre in every district for chemotherapy administration. This year, 200 such centres will be set up, with more to follow in subsequent years.
Responding to another query, Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel stated that Rs 3,635 crore has been disbursed via direct benefit transfer to tuberculosis patients. Each patient receives Rs 1,000 to purchase essential nutrients.
The government remains committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring early detection and treatment of critical illnesses nationwide.
