NewKerala.com

Gujarat's Health Milestone: 1.68 Crore Screened for Silent Killers

The Gujarat government has achieved a remarkable healthcare milestone by screening 1.68 crore citizens for non-communicable diseases. This massive initiative identified nearly 40 lakh hypertension cases and 30 lakh diabetes patients across the state. All diagnosed individuals received free medical consultations and treatment at government facilities. The program represents a significant step forward in preventive healthcare and early disease detection.

Key Points: Gujarat Screens 1.68 Crore for Diabetes Hypertension NCDs

  • Gujarat screened 39.47 lakh hypertension cases and 29.77 lakh diabetes patients
  • Over 15.74 lakh women screened under women's health initiative
  • ASHA workers implemented community-based assessment across state
  • Free consultations and medicines provided at government health centers
2 min read

Gujarat screens 1.68 crore citizens for non-communicable diseases

Gujarat achieves preventive healthcare milestone with 1.68 crore citizens screened for non-communicable diseases, offering free treatment for hypertension and diabetes.

"The campaign has been pivotal in identifying early-stage cases and providing timely intervention - Gujarat Health Department"

Ahmedabad, Nov 13

The Gujarat government has screened nearly 1.68 crore citizens aged above 30 for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes, a move hailed as a milestone in preventive healthcare.

According to data from the National NCD Portal (as of November 7), over 1.70 crore citizens have been enrolled under the state's Community-Based Assessment Checklist program, implemented through ASHA workers across Gujarat.

Out of these, 39.47 lakh individuals were diagnosed with hypertension and 29.77 lakh with diabetes, all of whom received free medical consultations and treatment at government health centres and hospitals.

In the 2024-25 financial year, more than 1.05 crore people aged 30 and above underwent free diabetes screening as part of the statewide NCD Screening Drive Campaign.

The campaign has been pivotal in identifying early-stage cases and providing timely intervention under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Health Minister Praful Pansheriya.

As part of the 'Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar' (Healthy Woman, Empowered Family) initiative, over 15.74 lakh women were screened for diabetes.

To combat the growing risk of NCDs among younger populations, the state has also launched a dedicated Prevention and Control Program for Non-Communicable Diseases, offering free screening and treatment for diabetes and hypertension.

Under this initiative, survey-based online registrations are linked with the Ayushman Bharat scheme, enabling eligible patients to access free consultations and medicines at Health and Wellness Centres. Every Tuesday and Friday have been designated as NCD Days across all state health facilities for regular check-ups and counselling.

Marking World Diabetes Day on November 14, awareness campaigns are being held in all Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across Gujarat. These events focus on prevention, early diagnosis, and lifestyle management through health talks, screening camps, and counselling sessions.

Additionally, the Health Department is promoting healthy lifestyle practices through exhibitions, social media outreach, and local media engagement.

Citizens are being encouraged to take advantage of the free screening, medicines, and diagnostic services offered under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Screening 1.68 crore people is impressive, but I hope the government ensures follow-up treatment and regular monitoring. Many such programs start well but lose momentum over time. The real test will be in sustaining this effort.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in public health, I must say these numbers are remarkable. The focus on women's health through 'Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar' is particularly commendable. Early detection can save so many lives and reduce healthcare costs in the long run.
A
Arjun K
Great work by ASHA workers! These frontline health workers are the real heroes who make such massive screening programs possible in remote areas. They deserve more recognition and better compensation for their crucial role in our healthcare system.
V
Vikram M
The numbers are staggering - 39 lakh hypertension and 29 lakh diabetes cases detected! This shows how widespread NCDs have become in our society. We need to focus more on prevention through lifestyle changes and better nutrition education.
M
Michael C
Linking the program with Ayushman Bharat is a smart move. Integration of different health schemes can really improve accessibility and reduce duplication of efforts. Hope other states learn from this model.
K
Kavya N
While the screening numbers are impressive, I'm concerned about the quality of

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50