Gruha Arogya Scheme Expands to Bengaluru's Economically Weaker Sections
Bengaluru witnesses a significant expansion of Karnataka's ambitious Gruha Arogya health screening programme. The door-to-door initiative now targets economically weaker sections residing within Greater Bengaluru Authority limits. This move aims to diagnose and manage non-communicable diseases more effectively across the state.
Reaching the One Crore Target
The programme steadily progresses toward its goal of screening one crore people. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao recently convened a meeting with GBA officials to finalise implementation details. Since its statewide expansion in June 2025, the scheme has already screened approximately eighty-five lakh individuals in rural areas.
"We screened around 85 lakh people in rural areas," Minister Rao told TOI. "Now we will extend the programme to GBA limits."
Focused Approach for Urban Areas
Given Bengaluru's substantial population, the health department adopts a targeted strategy. Instead of attempting to screen every resident, authorities will concentrate on slum dwellers and economically disadvantaged communities. This approach aims to improve healthcare access for those who need it most.
"We are choosing to check only those who reside in slums and belong to economically weaker sections," Rao explained. "We traced some of these pockets to ensure effective coverage."
Comprehensive Disease Screening
The programme screens individuals aged thirty and above for fourteen non-communicable diseases. The list includes:
- Hypertension and diabetes
- Specific cancers: oral, breast, and cervical
- Anaemia and fatty liver disease
- Diabetic foot and retinopathy
- Mental health conditions
Health workers conduct these screenings directly at people's homes, ensuring convenience and accessibility.
Addressing Resource Challenges
Implementing the scheme in urban areas presents unique challenges. While ASHA workers handled screenings in rural regions, Bengaluru faces a shortage of human resources. The health department collaborates with GBA to address this gap.
"We have fewer human resources here," Rao acknowledged. "We discussed resource provision with GBA while utilising ASHAs where possible."
Instead of rural sub-centres, the programme will utilise Namma Clinics and primary health centres within GBA limits as referral points.
Medication Distribution and Future Plans
The scheme provides medicines for hypertension and diabetes patients. So far, authorities have issued medications to more than five lakh people across Karnataka. This support continues as the programme expands to Bengaluru.
"When implementing the scheme within GBA limits, we will be providing all the medicines," the minister confirmed. "With their staff, this will be a combined effort between departments."
Programme Evolution
Gruha Arogya began as a pilot project in Kolar district during October 2024. Successful implementation led to statewide expansion eight months later. The current extension to Bengaluru's urban poor represents the next logical phase in making healthcare accessible to all Karnataka residents.
The health department's focused approach demonstrates practical understanding of urban healthcare challenges. By targeting specific communities and collaborating across departments, Karnataka moves closer to its goal of comprehensive non-communicable disease management.
