• UGI USER
  • May 10, 2024
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NITI AAYOG IDENTIFIES SUBSTANTIAL DEFICIENCIES IN CANCER SCREENING AT AYUSHMAN CENTRES

Why in the news?

NITI Aayog reports significant gaps in cancer screening at Ayushman centres due to low awareness and inadequate training.

source:scribd

About the Challenges in Cancer Screening Implementation:

  • NITI Aayog’s evaluation revealed low awareness and capacity issues as primary reasons for the gap.
  • Training for Auxiliary Nurse and Midwives (ANMs) and medical staff on screening methods like oral visual examination and clinical breast examination fell short of expectations.
  • Screening for breast cancer relies heavily on beneficiary self-examination, while cervical cancer screening remains largely non-operational.

Ayushman Bharat Scheme:

  • Ayushman Bharat Scheme aimed to upgrade primary health centres to Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs).
  • HWCs intended to provide annual cancer screenings for those above 30, along with services for hypertension and diabetes.
  • Despite over 5.47 crore users benefiting from the scheme, cancer screening at HWCs faces a significant gap, as per NITI Aayog’s report.
About Ayushman Bharat Scheme:

  • Launched in 2018 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • Aims for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through promotive, preventive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative care.
  • Funding shared between Central and State governments, targeting over 10 crore families based on SECC.

Components:

  • Health and Wellness Centres (HWC) for primary care, including NCD and maternal/child health services.
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) provides Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
  • Covers pre- and post-hospitalization expenses without family size, age, or gender restrictions.

About Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM):

  • Launched in 2021, aims to provide Unique Digital Health IDs (UHID) for all Indian citizens.
  • Facilitates electronic access to health records for hospitals, insurance firms, and citizens nationwide.

About Auxiliary Nurse and Midwives (ANMs) :

  • Auxiliary Nurse and Midwives (ANMs) are healthcare professionals trained to provide basic medical care, especially in rural areas.
  • They play a crucial role in maternal and child healthcare services.
  • ANMs often work under the supervision of doctors or nurses.

Associated Article: https://universalinstitutions.com/ayushman-bharat-centres-renamed-as-ayushman-arogya-mandir/#:~:text=Ayushman%20Bharat%20centres%2C%20now%20Ayushman,%2C%20breast%2C%20and%20cervical%20cancer