In a strong appeal made in the Rajya Sabha, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha called for a transformative shift in India’s public health policy by demanding that every citizen be granted the legal right to annual health checkups. He emphasized the crucial role early diagnosis plays in saving lives and reducing the financial strain on India’s already overstretched healthcare infrastructure.
“Annual health checkups have become a luxury in our country,” Mr. Chadha stated during a Special Mention in the Upper House. “A mother who never knew she had cancer, a son who discovered high blood pressure after a stroke, and a sister whose vision loss revealed diabetes—such tragic stories are far too common.”
Health Checkups: A Preventive Necessity, Not a Privilege
Drawing attention to the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and viral reports of sudden cardiac deaths among youth, Mr. Chadha advocated for structured, state-sponsored preventive healthcare. He called it a necessary and urgent reform to India’s healthcare system, especially as preventable non-communicable diseases continue to rise.
He cited alarming data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), revealing that only 2% of Indian women have undergone cancer screening. “This is deeply concerning,” he remarked, urging that regular health screenings be made affordable, accessible, and legally mandated.
Learning from Global Best Practices
Mr. Chadha pointed out that many developed nations proactively conduct health checkups. “Governments invite citizens for screenings, enabling early detection of illnesses,” he explained. “It’s not a financial burden—it’s an investment that pays off by reducing long-term healthcare costs.”
Speaking to NDTV after the session, Chadha added, “Preventive health measures should not be limited to the elite. If implemented correctly, it can save lives while easing the load on government hospitals.”
The Economic and Human Cost of Late Diagnosis
Citing a Lancet study, he highlighted that 55% of heart attack deaths in India are linked to delays in diagnosis. “Timely screenings can prevent such tragedies. Prevention is not just better, but cheaper than cure,” Chadha said.
He concluded with a poignant message:
“Jaan hai, toh janch hai. But janch hogi, tabhi toh jaan bachegi.”
(If there is life, there is a need for diagnosis. But lives can only be saved if the diagnosis happens.)
