20 cr people to be screened for various diseases: Azad

Jammu, Jan 29 (PTI) Around 20 crore people will bediagnosed for various diseases in a soon-to-be launched healthcare programme by the Centre, touted to be the world''s biggestpilot project in health sector.

"We will launch world''s largest pilot project in healthsector in the country. We will soon start screening 20 crorepeople for various ailments - cancer, diabetes andcardio-vascular diseases in 100 remote and inaccessibledistricts and in 33 cities in next 14 months period," UnionHealth Minister Gulam Nabi Azad told reporters here.

"No government in world has launched such a big project,"Azad said, adding that a data card would be issued to allpeople who will be screened.

He said another scheme for the Below Poverty Line peoplehas been started whereby cancer, diabetes, cardio-vascular,lung and kidney patients would be provided entire cost ofoperation in government hospitals.

In another scheme, all patients who have monthly incomeof Rs 6000 and below will get nearly 50 per cent reimbursementof payment borne on the cost of operation and treatment oflife threatening diseases, he said.