New Delhi, February 10 (PIB): The Department of Health & Family Welfare provides technical and financial support to the States/Union Territories under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), as part of National Health Mission (NHM), based on the proposals received from the States/UTs and subject to the resource envelope. Cancer is an integral part of NPCDCS, said Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr.BharatiPravinPawarin the Rajya Sabha recently.

The programme focusses on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, health promotion & awareness generation, screening, early diagnosis, management and referral to an appropriate level of healthcare facility for treatment of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including cancer. Under NPCDCS, 707 District NCD Clinics, 193 District Cardiac Care Units, 268 Day Care Centres and 5541 Community Health Centre NCD Clinics have been set up,

A population-based initiative for prevention, control and screening for common NCDs i.e., diabetes, hypertension and common cancers has been rolled out in the country under NHM and also as a part of Comprehensive Primary Health Care.

Under the initiative, persons more than 30 years of age are targeted for their screening for the three common cancers i.e., oral, breast and cervical. Screening of these common cancers is an integral part of service delivery under Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres.

Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs), included primary healthcare services expanded from selective to Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) inclusive of NCD services, closer to community. Preventive aspect of life-threatening diseases such as cancer is being strengthened under Comprehensive Primary Health Care through Ayushman Bharat Health Wellness Centre Scheme, by promotion of wellness activities and targeted communication at the community level.

Till January 30, 2023, 1,56,332 Health & Wellness Centres have been functional which includes 1,25,602 Sub-Health Centre level AB-HWCs, 23,512 Primary Health Centre level AB-HWCs and 7,218 Urban Primary Health Centre level AB–HWCs.