In a groundbreaking move to tackle the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Thursday unveiled a comprehensive statewide screening initiative. The campaign, targeting individuals aged 30 and above, aims to ensure early detection and management of diabetes, hypertension, and three common cancers — oral, breast, and cervical.
The initiative, launched under the National Program for Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, will be implemented across primary healthcare facilities, including Primary Health Centres, Aam Aadmi Clinics, Ayushman Arogya Kendras, and district hospitals. Trained healthcare workers, including ASHA, ANM, and MPWs, will conduct screenings in both rural and urban areas, ensuring widespread accessibility.
Dr Balbir, addressing the launch event virtually from Saini Majra village in SAS Nagar district, emphasized the critical importance of early detection. “Non-communicable diseases are long-term conditions that require timely intervention. This campaign is a step toward safeguarding the health of our citizens by identifying these diseases at an early stage and providing appropriate treatment,” he said.
The campaign, which runs until March 31, is aligned with a nationwide effort to combat NCDs through population-based screening. Dr Balbir also stressed the need for accurate data collection, urging healthcare workers to maintain detailed online records of screened patients. This data will help monitor disease prevalence and design targeted interventions.
Highlighting the significance of public participation, Dr Balbir appealed to Punjab’s residents to actively participate in the initiative. “Your cooperation is vital for the success of this campaign. I urge everyone to take advantage of this opportunity and get screened to ensure a healthier future,” he said.
With NCDs accounting for a significant portion of Punjab’s disease burden, this initiative marked a pivotal step toward building a healthier, more resilient population. By prioritizing prevention and early detection, Punjab sets a precedent for other states to follow in the fight against non-communicable diseases.