Importer & Manufacturer | Source: Rajyasabha

Published On: 28-07-2026

Enforcement Date: 28 July, 2026

Government Clarifies Status of AI-Based Breast Cancer Screening under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD)

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has clarified in a Rajya Sabha reply that AI-based breast cancer screening technologies have not yet been incorporated into the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). The Ministry stated that adoption of AI-based medical devices will be guided by Health Technology Assessment (HTA), while current population-based screening continues through Clinical Breast Examination (CBE).

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in response to a Rajya Sabha question, has clarified the current status of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based breast cancer screening technologies under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).

Key points include:

AI-based breast cancer screening technologies have not yet been included under the NP-NCD.
The Ministry has not announced any timeline for replacing Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) with AI-assisted screening protocols.
Population-based breast cancer screening continues through Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) conducted by trained healthcare providers at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) and other public health facilities.
Women aged 30 years and above are educated on breast awareness and Breast Self-Examination (BSE) to promote early detection.
Suspected cases continue to be referred to higher health facilities for diagnosis and treatment as per the NP-NCD Operational Framework.
The Ministry also highlighted measures to strengthen Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) through improved referral systems, laboratory linkages, teleconsultation, and oncology service coordination.