New Delhi: Out of an eligible population of 25.42 crore women aged 30 years and above, over 10.18 crore have been screened for cervical cancer in India as of July 20, 2025, Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav informed the Lok Sabha on Friday.

In a written reply, Jadhav stated that although health is a state subject, the Union Government has taken active measures to strengthen cancer prevention efforts, particularly through the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, alongside the promotion of wellness activities and community-level communication campaigns.

He noted that steps are being taken to improve the current proportion of cervical cancer screening across the country. Public awareness campaigns about Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including cervical cancer, have been bolstered through the observance of National Cancer Awareness Day and World Cancer Day, as well as the use of print, electronic, and social media platforms.

Under the National Health Mission (NHM), the Centre provides funds to states and Union Territories to support awareness and screening activities. A population-based initiative for the screening, management, and prevention of common NCDs, including cervical cancer, is currently being implemented through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs as part of comprehensive primary healthcare.

Cervical cancer screening targets women aged 30 to 65 years and is conducted once every 5 years at public health facilities, such as Ayushman Arogya Mandir sub-health centres and primary health centres. Trained health workers use Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) as the screening method. Individuals who test positive are referred to higher centres for further diagnosis and treatment.

Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) play a key role in this initiative by conducting risk assessments using Community-Based Assessment Checklist forms. They also guide individuals to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs for screenings and educate communities about the importance of early detection and routine health check-ups.

Additionally, the Union Health Ministry had launched a nationwide NCD Screening Campaign from February 20 to March 31, 2025, with the aim of achieving universal screening for individuals aged 30 and above. The campaign was carried out at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and other healthcare facilities under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).

“As per the National NCD portal, as on 20 July 2025, out of an eligible population of 25.42 crore females aged 30 years and above, 10.18 crore have been screened for cervical cancer,” Jadhav stated.

 

PTI inputs