Lok Sabha Question No. 3475 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Cases of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Adhikari Soumendu

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3475 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13 TH MARCH, 2026

## CASES OF CHRONIC NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

## 3475. SHRI ADHIKARI SOUMENDU:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state :

- (a) whether India faces a dual burden of diseases, with chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, diabetes and cancer rising alongside persistent communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and waterborne illnesses, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether it is also a fact that cardiovascular disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), diabetes and cancers, now account for 63 per cent of all deaths and the action proposed by Government to extend 100 per cent free treatment facilities to the patients given the substantial budgetary implications involved in such treatment procedures, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the Government has any comprehensive plan to support and extend free medical benefits to the patients of all ages in the country and if so, the details thereof ?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (c) According to the 'Operational Guidelines National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (2023-2030)', published in 2023 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) are estimated to account for 63% of all deaths in country.

The Department of Health and Family Welfare provides technical and financial support to States and Union Territories across the country under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) as part of the National Health Mission (NHM). The programme focuses on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, screening, early diagnosis, referral, treatment, and health promotion for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), 770 District NCD Clinics have been set up. As per the announcement of Union Budget 2025-26, the government plans to set up Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) in each district hospitals in the next 3 years. As of date, 479 Day Care Cancer Centres are functional across the country.

A population-based initiative for the prevention, control and screening of common noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) has been rolled out across the country. Under the initiative, persons over 30 years of age are targeted for their screening for the common NCDs.

Under the 'Strengthening of Tertiary Care Cancer Facilities Scheme' 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCC) have been set up across the country.

Treatment of major NCDs including Cancer treatment are available under Ayushman Bharat -Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana (AB PMJAY). This scheme provides for Rs. 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitilization in the empanelled public and private hospitals. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) and Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Pharmacies improve access to affordable cancer medicines, stents, and implants, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and supporting long-term treatment adherence.

Under National Health Mission (NHM), National Free Drugs Initiative and Free Diagnostic Services ensure essential medicines and diagnostics at public health facilities, reducing out-ofpocket expenses. Anti-cancer drugs are included in the Essential Drugs List at District and SubDivisional Hospitals under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).