New Delhi: More than 420 million screenings for hypertension and diabetes, 360 million for oral cancer, 170 million for breast cancer, and 90 million for cervical cancer have been conducted through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said on Wednesday.
Addressing the World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG 2026) here, Nadda termed screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) an important part of preventive healthcare.
Population-based screening is being done through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs for those 30 and above for hypertension, diabetes and oral, breast and cervical cancers, he said.
Nadda highlighted the role of around 1.86 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in strengthening primary healthcare and promoting preventive and promotive health services.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the National Health Policy-2017 marked an important shift towards a comprehensive approach to healthcare.
“Under the policy framework, the Government is strengthening health systems across all levels of care, with emphasis on achieving an optimal balance between primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare and strengthening linkages between different levels of care,” Nadda said according to a statement.
The minister also stressed the need for healthy dietary practices and active lifestyles and mentioned the Eat Right India campaign of the FSSAI and Poshan Maah.
He also recalled Modi’s call to the public to reduce oil consumption as part of efforts to address obesity and promote healthier lifestyles.
According to the note, Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) provides health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year and has expanded its coverage to more than 600 million beneficiaries.
The scheme has been extended to around 60 million senior citizens – aged 70 years and above -, irrespective of their economic status, Nadda said.
More than 13 crore treatments have been provided under AB-PMJAY at Rs 2 lakh crore, he said.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, the minister said, there are, at present, more than 20,149 Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
The people have collectively saved around Rs 45,000 crore on medicine expenditure through the initiative, he said.
Nadda said that out-of-pocket expenditure as a proportion of total health expenditure declined from 62 per cent in 2014-15 to 43.4 per cent in 2021-22. “While these achievements provide a strong foundation, continued research and innovation remain essential to address emerging health challenges,” he said.
Referring to the WCOG 2026 theme, ‘Transforming Gastrointestinal Health, Preserving Nature’, Nadda expressed confidence that doctors and researchers in the field would contribute innovative solutions to control major diseases.
The four-day WCOG 2026, being held in India for the first time, commenced on Wednesday and will continue till October 3.
The congress is jointly hosted by the Indian Society of Gastroenterology and the World Gastroenterology Organisation, in collaboration with the Indian National Association for Study of the Liver, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation India, Indian Pancreas Club and Indian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association.
