Haryana Boosts Breast Cancer Screening with New Digital Mammography Units

The Haryana government is significantly enhancing breast cancer screening and early detection services for women through its 'Swasth Nari-Sashakt Parivar' initiative. Eight district hospitals are set to receive Full-Field Digital Mammography (FFDM) machines, a crucial upgrade for women's healthcare. These advanced machines will be installed in civil hospitals located in Panchkula, Rewari, Sonipat, Kurukshetra, Panipat, Karnal, Narnaul, and Gurgaon.

The State Health Procurement and Buy Committee has given the green light for the acquisition of eleven FFDM units. Each unit comes with a price tag of Rs 1.18 crore, and the procurement is being managed by the Haryana Medical Services Corporation Limited. These new screening clinics, inaugurated recently, are designed to offer comprehensive healthcare services, including screening, diagnostics, and preventive care specifically for women.

Currently, mammography services are limited to only three locations: Ambala Cantonment, Jhajjar, and Rohtak. The introduction of FFDM machines in eight new locations is expected to dramatically improve access to these vital services across Haryana. This expansion will facilitate earlier diagnosis and more timely treatment for breast cancer patients.

Furthermore, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has approved five additional mammography units for Haryana under the PM CARES scheme, though the state had requested nine. These will be strategically deployed in other districts based on patient load and service demands. The government emphasizes that early detection is paramount in combating breast cancer, and this initiative underscores their commitment to advancing women's healthcare infrastructure and improving health outcomes.