The Telangana government has announced a comprehensive women health screening program to benefit approximately 46 lakh Self Help Group (SHG) members. Starting March 8, 2026, the state will provide 30 diagnostic tests to each participant. This massive public health drive coincides with International Women's Day. Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha confirmed that state-run Telangana Diagnostics will facilitate these medical evaluations.

Strategic Phases of the Women Health Screening Program

The initiative operates under a 99-day special development plan beginning March 6. Consequently, the Health Department will implement screenings in three distinct phases over six months. Phase 1 focuses on improving health outcomes for mothers, infants, and adolescent girls. During this period, officials will also prioritize hospital cleanliness and conduct pediatric tests at Anganwadi centers.

Subsequently, from April 1 to 15, the government will organize extensive grassroots camps. These sessions aim to identify non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and various cancers. Afterward, the third phase will target tuberculosis elimination under the "TB Mukt Bharat" goal. Furthermore, the department plans to raise awareness regarding seasonal illnesses like dengue and malaria.

Expanding Infrastructure and Urban Health

Beyond individual screenings, the government intends to enhance health infrastructure significantly. Specifically, 145 urban Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the GHMC and Cyberabad regions will upgrade to polyclinics. This expansion ensures that specialty medical services become more accessible to urban populations. Therefore, this holistic approach addresses both preventive screening and long-term care delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who is eligible for the health screening program in Telangana?

The program specifically targets approximately 46 lakh women who are members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) across the state.

Q2: What types of medical tests are included in the screening?

Each participant will undergo 30 different diagnostic tests. These tests help identify non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension, as well as infectious diseases like TB.

Q3: When will the health screening initiative officially launch?

The program is scheduled for a formal launch on International Women's Day, which falls on March 8, 2026.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or replace professional judgment. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

1. Telangana to screen 46 lakh women SHG members starting March 8 - ETHealthworld


2. Telangana to prepare health profiles of 46 lakh SHG women, screening to begin from March 8 - The Hindu


3. Health profiles to be prepared for 46 lakh women in Telangana - United News of India