Silent Epidemic Revealed
A comprehensive health initiative in Telangana, targeting individuals aged 30 and above for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), has brought to light a substantial
public health challenge. The screening program, which has completed three annual rounds up to March 2025, has diagnosed an alarming 26.90 lakh people with hypertension and 14 lakh with diabetes. These findings, detailed in the Telangana Socio Economic Outlook 2026, highlight the prevalence of these often asymptomatic conditions, which can lead to severe complications if left undetected. The state's commitment to tackling this silent epidemic is evident in its robust screening efforts and subsequent enrollment of diagnosed individuals into its public health system for ongoing treatment and management.
Early Detection Strategy
The ongoing screening program in Telangana plays a pivotal role in the state's broader strategy to combat the escalating burden of NCDs. By focusing on early identification and consistent management, the initiative aims to mitigate the long-term impact of conditions like hypertension and diabetes. During the most recent round (2024-25), a remarkable 1.37 crore individuals underwent screening for these two key NCDs. All those identified with either condition were promptly integrated into the state's public healthcare framework, ensuring access to necessary medical attention and follow-up care. This integrated approach, utilizing both dedicated NCD clinics and the extensive primary healthcare network, underscores Telangana's dedication to proactive and accessible healthcare for its citizens.
Investing in Health Future
Telangana is making significant strides in bolstering its healthcare infrastructure and expanding its vision for a healthier future. The state has charted a course to increase its health expenditure to 8% of its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) as part of its ambitious goal to become a $3 trillion economy by 2047. This financial commitment is directed towards strengthening preventive, promotive, and rehabilitative healthcare services. Furthermore, Telangana has already demonstrated success in improving critical health indicators, particularly in maternal and child health. With a Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of 43 per 1,00,000 live births and an Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of 18 per 1,000 live births, the state consistently outperforms national averages and has set aggressive targets for further reductions by 2047.
Strengthening Healthcare Access
To further enhance healthcare services, particularly for critical conditions, Telangana is investing heavily in specialized medical facilities and infrastructure. A substantial sum of ₹9,339 crore is allocated for the establishment of three state-of-the-art Telangana Institute of Medical Sciences (TIMS) institutions, each with 1,000 beds, designed to be centers of excellence in various medical fields, including cardiac and transplant sciences, neurosciences, and gastro sciences. Complementing these efforts, a 2,000-bed super speciality hospital is planned for Warangal Health City. Significant upgrades are also underway at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) with a ₹1,600 crore investment, and a new Osmania General Hospital (OGH) is being constructed in Hyderabad. These developments are aimed at significantly expanding advanced medical care access across the state.
Maternal and Child Welfare
Telangana is prioritizing the well-being of mothers and children through targeted programs and enhanced services. The state has invested in training and deploying 347 nurse practitioners in midwifery to bolster care in 73 high-load facilities, thereby strengthening maternal health services. To improve prenatal diagnostics, 234 TIFFA scan machines have been installed, benefiting over 60,380 pregnant women between April and December 2025. On the nutrition front, the state ensures that 12.42 lakh children receive supplementary nutrition monthly, with close monitoring of growth for 15.38 lakh children under five. Telangana's progress is reflected in its improved outcomes for stunting (33.1%) and underweight prevalence (31.8%) in children, both better than national figures, alongside a commendable exclusive breastfeeding rate of 68.2%.
