Published Nov 15, 2026 | 3:07 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 15, 2026 | 3:07 PM
The screening programme also confirmed 12,768 cancer cases.
Synopsis: Andhra Pradesh has identified more than 12.23 lakh new cases of hypertension and 11.58 lakh new cases of diabetes through a State-wide screening programme conducted over 14 months, the State Health Department said on 15 November. The programme screened nearly 2.86 crore adults and found that 59.63 lakh people had hypertension and 48.95 lakh had diabetes, while medical evaluation confirmed 12,768 cases of oral, breast and cervical cancer.
Andhra Pradesh has identified more than 12.23 lakh new cases of hypertension and 11.58 lakh new cases of diabetes through a State-wide screening programme conducted over 14 months, the State Health Department said on 15 November.
The Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) 4.0 programme screened nearly 2.86 crore people aged above 18 for hypertension, diabetes and oral cancer. Screening for breast and cervical cancer covered another 1.46 crore women.
The survey found that 59.63 lakh people, or 13.93 percent of the State’s adult population of 4.2 crore, have hypertension, while 48.95 lakh, or 11.45 percent, have diabetes. Some 34 lakh people suffer from both conditions.
The screening programme also confirmed 12,768 cancer cases. These included 3,339 cases of oral cancer, 5,832 cases of breast cancer and 3,597 cases of cervical cancer.
The findings were presented to Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav by Family Welfare Commissioner and National Health Mission Managing Director KVN Chakradhar Babu and State nodal officer Shyamala.
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People aged 60 and above accounted for the largest share of hypertension and diabetes cases identified in the survey.
They represented 47.60 percent of all hypertension cases and 43.39 percent of diabetes cases. People aged 50-59 accounted for another 29.20 percent of hypertension cases and 30.16 percent of diabetes cases.
The survey also identified cases among younger adults. Among people aged 18-19, 11,827 had hypertension and 10,360 had diabetes. In the 20-29 age group, the numbers stood at 81,983 and 75,431, respectively.
Among those aged 30-39, the programme identified 2.89 lakh hypertension cases and 2.86 lakh diabetes cases. The numbers rose to 9.99 lakh and 9.22 lakh, respectively, among people aged 40-49.
East Godavari, NTR, West Godavari, Kakinada and Eluru were among the districts reporting higher numbers of hypertension cases. For diabetes, East Godavari, NTR, West Godavari, YSR Kadapa and Eluru featured among the districts with higher case numbers.
In terms of newly identified cases, Visakhapatnam recorded 78,017 hypertension cases, followed by West Godavari (68,802), Tirupati (65,504), East Godavari (64,116) and YSR Kadapa (63,141).
Visakhapatnam also reported the highest number of newly identified diabetes cases at 80,692. West Godavari recorded 67,935, Tirupati 67,827, YSR Kadapa 66,914 and Prakasam 61,415.
The screening programme identified suspected cancer cases at the community level before referring people for further medical evaluation.
Of the 9.96 lakh people suspected of having oral cancer who were examined by medical officers, 23,009 were referred to higher-level hospitals. Further evaluation confirmed 3,339 cases.
For breast cancer, 15,374 women were referred to higher-level hospitals, where 5,832 cases were confirmed. In the case of cervical cancer, 19,429 suspected cases were examined and referred, resulting in 3,597 confirmed cases.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched the programme in Visakhapatnam on 17 September 2025. The survey concluded on 10 November 2026.
Community health officers, auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) and ASHA workers conducted household visits to screen adults. Blood glucose levels were initially checked using finger-prick tests. People with readings above 140 mg/dL were referred for further assessment, including fasting and post-meal blood glucose tests, before diagnosis.
Similarly, people with blood pressure readings above 140/90 mmHg were referred to doctors for clinical evaluation. Those diagnosed with the conditions were provided free medicines.
The programme used digital platforms and mobile applications to record health information and monitor screening. The government said it trained around 40,000 ASHA workers and more than 22,000 ANMs, community health officers, staff nurses and medical officers.
Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said the state government was prioritising the prevention and control of lifestyle-related diseases. He said people diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes and cancer were being provided free medical services, with an emphasis on identifying diseases early and preventing complications.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
