Under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), which level of the health system is the FIRST point of population-level NCD screening and management as per NHM guidelines?

• A District Hospital NCD clinic
• B Community Health Centre (CHC) with specialist NCD services
• C Sub-centre/Health and Wellness Centre (HWC-AB-HWC) with ASHA and mid-level health provider ✓
• D Primary Health Centre with medical officer

Explanation

Under the redesigned NPCDCS/NCD framework within Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC), the Sub-Centre/HWC level (staffed by a Community Health Officer/mid-level health provider with ASHAs) is the FIRST point of population-level NCD screening. ASHAs conduct household-level screening using the CBACq (Community Based Assessment Checklist) for diabetes, hypertension, oral/cervical/breast cancer risk screening. Mid-level providers at HWCs provide basic NCD care and refer to PHC/CHC/DH as needed. This 'screen-to-treat' cascade starting at the sub-centre is the distinguishing feature of the AB-HWC NCD strategy.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.