In a significant step towards preventive healthcare for women, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has screened over 10.18 crore women aged 30 years and above for cervical cancer under the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) and the National Health Mission (NHM).
This large-scale screening initiative is part of a population-based programme focused on the prevention, early detection, and management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The screenings are carried out primarily at Sub-Health Centres and Primary Health Centres by trained healthcare workers using the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) method. Women who test positive are referred for further diagnosis and treatment at higher centres.
ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) play a key role at the community level by identifying at-risk individuals through the Community-Based Assessment Checklist (CBAC), mobilising them for screening, and spreading awareness on early detection and healthy lifestyles.
To bolster public engagement and awareness, the Ministry also promotes wellness activities and runs communication campaigns during observances such as National Cancer Awareness Day and World Cancer Day, utilising various media platforms. States and Union Territories are allocated funds under NHM for awareness drives based on their Program Implementation Plans (PIPs).
To fast-track progress, the government conducted a special NCD screening campaign from February 20 to March 31, 2025, targeting individuals aged 30 and above. This campaign significantly contributed to achieving the current milestone.
As of July 20, 2025, data from the National NCD Portal shows that 10.18 crore women—out of an estimated 25.42 crore eligible females—have been screened for cervical cancer, underscoring the government’s strong focus on comprehensive and preventive women’s healthcare.
The update was shared in a written reply by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, in the Lok Sabha on Friday.
