Over 10 Crore Women Screened for Cervical Cancer Under Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

The programme targets women in the 30 to 65 age group, using the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) method.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has screened over 10.18 crore women aged 30 years and above for cervical cancer across India under the National Health Mission (NHM), through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs).

This milestone is part of a population-based initiative for the screening, prevention, and management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

The programme targets women in the 30 to 65 age group, using the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) method.

Screenings are primarily conducted at Sub-Health Centres and Primary Health Centres under AAMs by trained health workers. Women testing VIA-positive are referred to higher centres for diagnostic confirmation and further evaluation.

At the community level, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) assist in identifying at-risk individuals using the Community-Based Assessment Checklist (CBAC). They also help generate awareness on early detection and healthy living practices.

Awareness efforts include wellness activities, targeted campaigns, and regular observance of National Cancer Awareness Day and World Cancer Day. These initiatives are supported through print, electronic, and social media platforms to ensure ongoing public engagement on NCDs, including cervical cancer.

Under NHM, States and Union Territories receive funds for awareness activities, aligned with their Program Implementation Plans (PIPs).

To expand screening coverage, the Ministry launched a time-bound NCD Screening Campaign from February 20 to March 31, 2025, targeting individuals aged 30 years and above. The campaign contributed significantly to the current screening figures.

As per the National NCD Portal, 10.18 crore women out of 25.42 crore eligible females (aged 30 years and above) were screened for cervical cancer as of 20th July 2025.

This update was shared by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

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