Karnataka's Gruha Arogya programme has identified significant regional disparities in non-communicable diseases through door-to-door screenings. The initiative screened millions for conditions like hypertension and diabetes, uncovering higher burdens in districts such as Belagavi and Mysuru. Officials emphasize the need for targeted health strategies based on these findings.
Karnataka's Gruha Arogya outreach programme, conducted by ASHA workers from August 2025 to January 2026, covered 41,92,801 households across districts. It targeted early detection of 14 non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adults, including hypertension, diabetes, and various cancers, as well as anaemia in younger individuals.
Screenings for hypertension involved 76,07,739 people aged above 30, resulting in 19,94,530 diagnoses. Diabetes screenings reached 72,75,369 individuals, with 14,78,842 cases identified. District-wise, Belagavi reported the highest hypertension cases at 3,24,403 from 14,15,047 screened, followed by Mysuru with 1,87,089 from 4,35,504. Chitradurga showed a high detection rate, with 1,34,725 cases from 2,23,679 screened. Lower numbers appeared in Yadgir and Ramanagara, though officials note this may not reflect true prevalence.
For diabetes, Belagavi led with 2,77,231 cases from 13,81,829 screened, and Mysuru had 1,40,994. Bengaluru Urban diagnosed 19,336 cases from 54,775 screened, indicating urban challenges despite limited coverage.
Cancer screenings included oral cancer, with 52,06,304 people assessed and 3,964 confirmed cases, plus 21,157 suspected referrals. Udupi and Uttara Kannada had the highest confirmed oral cancer cases, followed by Belagavi. Breast cancer screening of 20,70,858 women identified 3,272 cases, notably in Udupi, Mandya, and Mysuru. Cervical cancer checks on 16,07,446 women yielded 1,658 cases, with higher reports from Udupi and Tumakuru.
Other NCDs showed similar patterns: chronic kidney disease screenings of 31,53,077 people found 11,108 cases, mainly in Belagavi, Mysuru, and Vijayanagara. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affected 4,481 from 31,43,460 screened. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was diagnosed in 24,379 of 31,34,623 screened, with Belagavi reporting 4,200 cases. Mental health screenings of 30,04,223 individuals confirmed 20,353 cases, while neurological disorders in 28,12,968 screened led to 8,658 diagnoses, higher in Mysuru and Belagavi.
Raghunandan, State Deputy Director for Non-Communicable Diseases, stated, “The data shows that non-communicable diseases are widespread across districts, including rural and semi-urban areas. Early identification through household screening allows us to initiate treatment sooner and prevent complications.” The programme plans expansion to Greater Bengaluru Authority areas, with future focus on care continuity via primary health centres and Ayushman Arogya Kendras. A senior official highlighted that district variations necessitate targeted public health approaches over uniform ones.
