Press Information Bureau

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has achieved a major milestone in women’s health with over 10.18 crore women aged 30 years and above screened for cervical cancer across the country. This achievement is part of the population-based initiative for screening, prevention, and management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM) through the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs).

The initiative targets women aged 30 to 65 years, with screening primarily done using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) at Sub-Health Centres and Primary Health Centres under AAM by trained health workers. VIA-positive cases are referred to higher centres for further diagnostic evaluation.

At the grassroots level, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) play a critical role by using Community Based Assessment Checklist (CBAC) forms to identify individuals at risk and facilitate their participation in regular health check-ups and screenings at AAMs. ASHAs also help generate awareness about the importance of early detection and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Promotion of wellness activities and targeted communication campaigns at the community level further support the preventive aspect of cancer control. Events such as National Cancer Awareness Day and World Cancer Day are observed regularly. Additionally, the use of print, electronic, and social media platforms ensures continuous public engagement on NCDs including cervical cancer.

Under NHM, States and Union Territories are provided with dedicated funds for awareness generation activities as per their Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs).

The Ministry had also launched a time-bound NCD Screening Campaign from 20th February to 31st March 2025, to accelerate screening efforts for individuals aged 30 years and above. The success of this campaign has contributed to the current achievement.

As of 20th July 2025, data from the National NCD Portal indicates that 10.18 crore women out of an eligible population of 25.42 crore females aged 30 years and above have been screened for cervical cancer—reflecting the government’s strong commitment to comprehensive and preventive healthcare delivery through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

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