AP to Launch Major Health Initiative to Combat Cancer & Heart Disease

The cancer screening program aims to offer widespread access to early detection of oral, breast, and cervical cancers.

In a significant move to tackle rising cancer and heart disease fatalities, the Andhra Pradesh government has set foot to launch a new health initiative that combines universal cancer screenings with a rapid-response system for heart attacks.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will inaugurate the program on Wednesday, underscoring the State’s commitment to addressing two of its most critical health challenges.

Led by the Health, Medical, and Family Welfare Department, this initiative responds to concerning data at both State and national levels. Cancer and heart disease remain among the leading causes of death, with the State reporting over 73,000 new cancer cases and 40,000 related deaths each year.

Nationally, 1.4 million new cancer cases result in 900,000 deaths annually. In response, the State allocated over INR 680 Cr last fiscal year to bolster cancer care infrastructure and resources.

Universal Cancer Screening for Early Detection

The cancer screening program aims to offer widespread access to early detection of oral, breast, and cervical cancers. Community Health Officers (CHOs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) will carry out door-to-door screenings across the State.

A specialized mobile application will transmit screening results directly to government hospitals and NTR Vaidya Seva-affiliated facilities, ensuring quick diagnosis and timely intervention.

The Health Department is urging all residents over 18 years old to participate, emphasizing that early detection significantly reduces mortality and treatment costs.

Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) will assist patients requiring follow-up care, providing crucial support throughout their treatment journey.

Specialized Heart Attack Response System

To address the high rate of fatalities from heart attacks, the State will also introduce a dedicated STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) program.

Research shows that rapid response within the first hour of chest pain drastically reduces mortality in heart attack cases.

The program will create a network of 238 ‘spoke’ community health centers and area hospitals connected to 37 ‘hub’ hospitals, equipped to handle acute cardiac cases. The hub network includes 11 government general hospitals and 26 private facilities under NTR Vaidya Seva.

When a patient reports chest pain, a medical officer at a spoke hospital conducts an ECG and transmits the results to a hub hospital for immediate cardiology review.

If needed, cardiologists at the hub may prescribe a lifesaving injection of Tenecteplase, which costs INR 45,000, to restore blood flow. After stabilization, patients will be transferred to the hub hospital for comprehensive treatment.

Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav, Principal Secretary MT Krishna Babu, and senior health officials have finalized the implementation strategies to ensure the program's smooth rollout. The initiative aims to significantly impact public health outcomes by focusing on early detection, rapid intervention, and accessible care.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News.