Delhi, 26 July (H.S.): The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has successfully screened over 10.18 crore women aged 30 years and above for cervical cancer, marking a significant achievement in women's health. This initiative is part of a broader effort under the National Health Mission (NHM) aimed at screening, preventing, and managing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) via Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs). Targeting women aged 30 to 65, the screening primarily employs Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) conducted at Sub-Health and Primary Health Centres by trained health workers, with VIA-positive cases referred for further evaluation.

Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) play a vital role in identifying at-risk individuals and encouraging participation in routine health check-ups through the Community Based Assessment Checklist (CBAC). Increased awareness about early detection and healthy lifestyles is emphasized through community campaigns and events like National Cancer Awareness Day. States and Union Territories receive dedicated funding under NHM for awareness activities, aligned with their Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs). The NCD Screening Campaign, running from February 20 to March 31, 2025, further accelerates screening efforts, contributing to the accomplishment of screening 10.18 crore women from an eligible population of 25.42 crore as of July 20, 2025.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar