NEW DELHI, Oct 3: India is placing greater emphasis on preventive healthcare, early diagnosis and accessible treatment as medical experts from across the world gather in the national capital for the World Congress of Gastroenterology 2026.
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda highlighted the country’s expanding primary healthcare network and the growing role of screening programmes while addressing the four day international congress being held in New Delhi.
The World Congress of Gastroenterology, being organised in India for the first time, began on September 30 and is scheduled to continue until October 3. The event has brought together gastroenterologists, hepatologists, surgeons, researchers, endoscopy specialists and other healthcare professionals to discuss developments in digestive health.
The theme of the congress is “Transforming Gastrointestinal Health, Preserving Nature”. The programme covers a wide range of areas, including liver disease, gastrointestinal cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic disorders, endoscopy, nutrition, microbiome research and digital healthcare.
Addressing the gathering, Nadda said preventive healthcare was becoming an increasingly important part of India’s healthcare strategy. He pointed to the expansion of population-based screening through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs as one of the mechanisms being used to identify health problems before they develop into more serious conditions.
According to figures shared by the minister, more than 420 million screenings for hypertension and diabetes have been conducted through the network. Screening numbers also include more than 360 million for oral cancer, 170 million for breast cancer and 90 million for cervical cancer. The programme targets people aged 30 years and above for screening of several non-communicable diseases.
The figures underline the scale at which primary healthcare facilities are being used for preventive interventions. Rather than relying exclusively on hospitals for treatment, the screening approach seeks to identify chronic conditions and cancer risks at the community level.
Hypertension and diabetes are among the major conditions requiring long-term monitoring because they can remain undetected for considerable periods. Early identification allows patients to be assessed and, where necessary, placed under appropriate medical care.
Cancer screening is another important component of the programme. Detecting certain cancers or warning signs at an earlier stage can create opportunities for timely referral, further investigation and treatment.
Nadda also highlighted the expansion of financial protection under Ayushman Bharat. More than 600 million beneficiaries have been covered under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which provides health cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per family, according to figures presented by the ministry.
The minister said more than 13 crore treatments had been provided under the scheme, involving expenditure of around Rs 2 lakh crore. He also referred to the expansion of coverage for senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of their economic status.
The development comes as India continues to face a dual healthcare challenge involving infectious diseases as well as a growing burden of non-communicable conditions. Chronic diseases require regular monitoring and sustained treatment, making primary healthcare an important part of long-term disease management.
The growth of the Ayushman Arogya Mandir network is intended to bring more services closer to communities. The centres provide a range of preventive, promotive and basic curative services, with screening and referral forming important parts of their role.
The emphasis on gastrointestinal health at the Delhi congress also reflects the broader need for preventive approaches to digestive diseases. Gastrointestinal disorders can range from common digestive problems to serious conditions involving the liver, pancreas, intestines and other organs.
India has a significant research and clinical community working in gastroenterology, and the international congress provides an opportunity for specialists to exchange information about emerging treatments, diagnostic techniques and research findings.
The World Gastroenterology Organisation and the Indian Society of Gastroenterology are jointly hosting the event, with collaboration from several Indian medical organisations specialising in liver disease, inflammatory bowel conditions, pancreatic disorders and neurogastroenterology.
The scientific programme includes clinical and research oriented work covering gastrointestinal oncology, hepatology, endoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease, microbiome and gut health, paediatric gastroenterology and preventive gastroenterology.
Artificial intelligence and digital health are also included among the scientific areas being discussed, reflecting the increasing role of technology in modern medical practice.
The intersection between preventive medicine and technology is particularly relevant to large healthcare systems. Digital records, telemedicine and data-based screening can potentially make it easier to follow patients over time and identify those requiring additional medical attention.
At the same time, specialists stress that screening programmes need appropriate follow up systems. Identifying a health condition is only the first step; patients also require access to confirmatory tests, specialist consultations, medicines and treatment when abnormalities are detected.
The government’s expansion of primary healthcare therefore has implications beyond the number of screenings conducted. The effectiveness of such programmes depends on whether people can move smoothly from community-level screening to diagnosis and treatment when required.
The congress also provides an international platform for discussing how healthcare systems can respond to changing disease patterns. Research in digestive health increasingly involves multiple disciplines, including genetics, nutrition, microbiology, imaging and advanced endoscopic procedures.
Experts attending the event are examining ways to improve outcomes through early diagnosis, better treatment protocols and research-driven approaches. The inclusion of environmental sustainability in the congress theme also reflects growing discussion about the relationship between environmental factors and health.
For India, the event provides an opportunity to showcase developments in healthcare infrastructure while also engaging with international specialists on challenges affecting digestive health.
Nadda said continued research and innovation would remain necessary to address emerging healthcare needs. The expansion of screening, financial protection and primary care infrastructure represents one part of the country’s broader approach to improving access.
The figures presented at the congress indicate the scale of preventive health activity being undertaken through community-based facilities. With millions of screenings already recorded, the next challenge is ensuring that people identified with health risks receive timely follow-up and sustained care.
As the World Congress of Gastroenterology concludes in New Delhi, discussions on digestive diseases, preventive medicine and medical innovation are expected to contribute to continuing efforts to strengthen gastrointestinal care and broader public health services in India.