Priority for healthy society
BENGALURU
The state’s door-to-door health screening programme, Gruha Arogya, aimed at diagnosing and managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), is set to extend its reach to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) within Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits. The scheme, which has already screened around 85 lakh people in rural areas, is targeting 1 crore residents statewide.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao recently met with GBA officials to finalise implementation strategies for urban areas. Under the programme, health workers screen individuals aged 30 and above for 14 NCDs, including hypertension, diabetes, certain cancers, anaemia, fatty liver disease, diabetic foot, retinopathy, and mental health conditions. Launched as a pilot in Kolar in October 2024, Gruha Arogya was rolled out statewide in June 2025.
“Given the city’s large population, we cannot screen every resident. Hence, we will prioritise slum areas and economically weaker sections to improve their access to healthcare. We have traced these pockets,” the Minister said.
While ASHAs have been the primary workforce in rural areas, the GBA implementation faces a shortfall of human resources. Rao explained that the health department will collaborate with GBA officials, utilising ASHAs where possible and supplementing with local staff. Referral and follow-up services will be provided through Namma Clinics and select primary health centres within GBA limits, replacing the sub-centres used in rural areas.
The programme also ensures treatment continuity. Patients diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes are issued medicines, with over 5 lakh beneficiaries already receiving prescriptions. “Within GBA, all patients screened under the scheme will be provided medicines. This will be a combined effort with GBA staff,” the Minister added.
By targeting the EWS population in urban areas, the state aims to bridge healthcare gaps, detect NCDs early, and improve overall community health, making Gruha Arogya a model for preventive care in both rural and urban Karnataka.
