Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries above the age of 40 can now get routine health chech-ups done at two of the CGHS dispensaries in R.K. Puram, south Delhi.

A pilot project for preventive health check-ups was launched on Wednesday by the health ministry at CGHS wellness centres in R.K. Puram sector-12. The project, also initiated at R.K. Puram sector-4 CGHS wellness centre, will test the beneficiaries for ailments like diabetes, hypertentin, thyroid among others, so that the diseases can be diagnosed at an early stage.

"If the disease is diagnosed early, necessary changes in the lifestyle can be made. If diagnosis is done on time, our workforce will be healthy," Vineet Chawdhry, joint secretary, health ministry, said at the inauguration of the event. He added treatment given at an early stage is also less expensive.

The data colloected under the pilot project will be used to sensitise the masses about various ailments. It will also help in forming health policies in the country.

Based on the diagnosis, the patients will be divided in three categories. Those who have normal results will have to get tests done after a year. People whose results are slightly on a risky side will fall under the 'highly normal' category and will have to get check-up done after six months. Third category will be for patients who are diagnosed with an ailment. They will have to be tested every three months.

"All the data now is digitalised so the patients will be remineded about their check-up-due dates from time to time," said Dr. D.R. Dey, additional director, CGHS south zone.

The efficacy of the pilot project will be assessed and if the results are satisfactory, the model will be replicated at other CGHS dispensaries, said Chawdhry.