Karnataka’s Health Department extends Gruha Arogya scheme across State

For early detection and management of non-communicable diseases (NCD) among people in rural areas, Karnataka’s Health Department has now extended the Gruha Arogya (doorstep healthcare) scheme across the State.

The scheme that was formally launched by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on October 24 last year was initially piloted in Kolar district, where dedicated health teams conducted door-to-door screening for major NCDs. Following its success, the initiative is now being scaled up to all districts, announced Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday.

Major NCDs

During the pilot project, screening was conducted for major NCDs, including Diabetes, Hypertension, three common cancers - Oral, Breast and Cervical cancer (the latter two for females) in individuals aged 30 years and above.

Now, ASHA workers will conduct door-to-door visits to raise awareness about NCDs and facilitate health check-ups for individuals above 30 at Ayushman Health and Wellness Centres. Community Health Officers  (CHOs) will conduct screenings for 14 NCDs, including hypertension, diabetes, and cancer, and record the data on the NCD portal. Free medication and regular follow-up care will be provided at the nearest Ayushman Health and Wellness centres to those diagnosed, the Minister said.

Apart from Diabetes, Hypertension, Oral Cancer, Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, the other NCDs to be covered under the scheme include Diabetic Foot, Mental Health Disorders, Neurological Disorders, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Diabetic Retinopathy, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Anemia (19-29 yrs).

Five houses a day

Srinivas G., State Deputy Director (Non-Communicable Diseases) said ASHA workers will visit the households under their jurisdiction on all working days of the week (excluding State-declared holidays), covering approximately four to five  houses per day. During these visits, they will register all members of the household in the ASHA application on the NCD portal.

The CHOs, who will provide screening, diagnosis, management, and treatment of all NCDs for individuals aged 30 years and above, will refer the suspected cases and patients with diabetes for confirmation through tele-consultation. “CHOs will conduct screening, management and treatment services for walk-in patients at Ayushman Health Centres every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. On Wednesdays and Fridays, CHOs will conduct outreach activities and organise NCD screening camps in coordination with ASHA workers,” he said.

“Patients under treatment will receive regular follow-up, including re-examinations and necessary support for a period of up to two months,” he added.

Published - June 02, 2025 07:39 pm IST