420 Million Screenings And Counting: India Expands Its Fight Against Hypertension, Diabetes And Cancer

India has stepped up its focus on preventing major lifestyle-related and non-communicable diseases, with more than 420 million screenings for hypertension and diabetes carried out through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said.

Addressing the World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG) 2026 in New Delhi on Wednesday, Nadda said population-based screening is being conducted at these centres for people aged 30 and above. The programme covers hypertension, diabetes and oral, breast and cervical cancers.

According to the government, more than 360 million oral cancer screenings, 170 million breast cancer screenings and 90 million cervical cancer screenings have also been conducted.

Nadda said the network of around 1.86 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs is playing an important role in strengthening primary healthcare and making preventive and promotive health services more accessible.

The wider healthcare push also includes the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which provides health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year. Its coverage has now been expanded to more than 600 million beneficiaries, while around 60 million senior citizens aged 70 and above have been brought under the scheme regardless of their economic status.

More than 13 crore treatments have been provided under AB-PMJAY, involving expenditure of about Rs 2 lakh crore, Nadda said.

The government has also highlighted the expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, with more than 20,149 Jan Aushadhi Kendras operating across the country. People have collectively saved around Rs 45,000 crore on medicines through the initiative, according to the minister.

Nadda said out-of-pocket spending as a share of total health expenditure had fallen from 62 per cent in 2014-15 to 43.4 per cent in 2021-22.

He stressed that early detection, healthier diets and active lifestyles remain important in tackling diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity. The four-day WCOG 2026, being held in India for the first time, will continue until October 3.