Telangana launches statewide screening drive for 46 lakh women; HPV vaccination programme rolled out

The Telangana government has launched a large-scale health screening drive aimed at reaching nearly 46 lakh women associated with 4.37 lakh self-help groups across the state’s 33 districts. The initiative was rolled out around International Women’s Day and is intended to strengthen early detection of diseases while expanding preventive healthcare services for women.

Under the programme, women will be taken to nearby Primary Health Centres where they will undergo around 30 diagnostic tests. These include screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar and thyroid-related conditions. Officials said the effort is designed to identify chronic illnesses at an early stage, particularly among women in rural and low-income communities.

Health authorities said each participant will be issued a digital health profile linked to a QR code. The records will be stored in the state’s electronic health management information system, allowing doctors to track patient histories and ensure continuity of treatment.

Alongside the screening initiative, the state government has also rolled out its Human Papillomavirus vaccination programme aimed at preventing cervical cancer. The first phase of the campaign will target nearly four lakh girls in the age group of 14 to 15 years.

Officials said the twin initiatives of large-scale screening and vaccination are expected to improve early diagnosis and strengthen preventive healthcare coverage for women and adolescents across the state.