Lok Sabha Question No. 381 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-21
Subject: Screening of Common Cancer under NPCDCS
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Kotagiri Sridhar

## GOVERNMENT OFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 381 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21 st JULY, 2023

## SCREENING OF COMMON CANCER UNDER NPCDCS

## 381. SHRI SRIDHAR KOTAGIRI:

Will the MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that screening of common cancer under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) is volunteer-based and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether it is also a fact that because of this NPCDCS lacks the follow-up strategy for further investigation and treatment and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government is planning to sponsor a National Screening Program (NCD) for cancer in the country and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether it is also a fact that NPCDCS only covers three common cancers (oral, cervical and breast) and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the Government is considering the inclusion of other prevalent cancers under the NPCDCS and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## (Prof. SATYA PAL SINGH BAGHEL)

(a) to (e): The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, provides technical and financial support to the States/UTs under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) erstwhile 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 NP-NCD. The programme focusses on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, health promotion & awareness generation for prevention, early diagnosis, management, follow up and referral to an appropriate level of healthcare facility for treatment of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including Cancer. Under NP-NCD, 724 District NCD Clinics, 326 District Day Care Centre, and 6110 Community Health Center 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. Preventive aspect of Cancer is 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.

Cancer is diagnosed and treated at various levels in the health care facilities. The treatment in Government Hospitals is either free or highly subsidized for the poor and needy. The Central Government implements Strengthening of Tertiary Cancer Care Centres Facilities Scheme in order to enhance the facilities for tertiary care of cancer. 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs) have been approved under the said scheme. 17 Institutes are functional so far.