MP govt partners with Hyderabad-based healthcare firm for cervical cancer screening project in Rewa

BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hyderabad-based private firm to strengthen cervical cancer screening and management in the state under the National Program for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases.

As part of the agreement, a pilot project will be rolled out in Rewa district.

Around 10,000 women aged between 25 to 65 years will undergo Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA-based cervical cancer screening, a senior health official told IANS on Thursday.

HPV DNA testing detects high-risk infections early, which is crucial since cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women in India, largely due to late diagnosis in rural areas.

The National Health Mission (NHM) Madhya Pradesh will lead on-ground implementation.

It will select and train frontline workers including Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, Staff Nurses, Community Health Officers, and ASHA workers.

"These cadres will handle community mobilisation, sample collection, counselling, and follow-up at the village and sub-centre level," the official said.

The Hyderabad-based private firm will provide specialised technical support across the screening and treatment pathway.