New Delhi, October 7, 2026: The Delhi government has expanded its Mission ANMOL newborn screening programme to cover 63 congenital, genetic and metabolic disorders, up from 56 earlier. At the same time, the monthly incentive for 6,690 ASHA workers has been doubled from ₹3,000 to ₹6,000. The initiatives were launched under the government’s Seva Sankalp Abhiyan.
Newborns to Be Screened Within 24–72 Hours
Under the expanded Mission ANMOL programme, newborn babies will be screened for 63 potentially serious but treatable conditions within 24 to 72 hours of birth.
The initiative is aimed at ensuring early diagnosis and timely treatment, particularly for disorders that may otherwise remain undetected during the first few days of life.
Screening Coverage Expanded From 56 to 63 Diseases
The programme previously covered 56 conditions.
The government has now added seven more, widening the scope of free screening for congenital, genetic and metabolic disorders among newborns in Delhi.
Over 75,000 Newborns Screened So Far
Officials said more than 75,000 newborns have already been screened under Mission ANMOL.
More than 700 children identified with health conditions have received timely treatment following early detection.
Government Targets Up to 2.5 Lakh Screenings Annually
Delhi plans to expand annual newborn screening coverage from around 1.5 lakh babies to as many as 2.5 lakh.
The expansion is intended to strengthen preventive healthcare and reduce long-term complications linked to congenital disorders.
ASHA Workers’ Monthly Incentive Doubled
The government has also increased the fixed monthly incentive for ASHA workers from ₹3,000 to ₹6,000.
The move will benefit around 6,690 Accredited Social Health Activists, who play a key role in maternal care, vaccination, newborn health and connecting families with government health services.
New SOTTO Facility Inaugurated
The government also inaugurated the headquarters of the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO) at GB Pant Hospital.
The facility is expected to improve coordination, awareness and institutional support for organ and tissue donation and transplantation across Delhi.
Online Portal for Nursing Homes Launched
A new Nursing Home Management System portal has also been introduced.
The digital platform will allow private nursing homes to handle registration and renewal processes online while enabling improved monitoring and transparency.
Rekha Gupta Highlights Role of ASHA Workers
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said ASHA workers play an important role in taking healthcare services and government schemes directly to communities.
The initiatives were launched at the ASHA Sammelan-2026 and ASHA Samman Samaroh held at Thyagraj Stadium.
Source – The Indian Express, The Tribune, The New Indian Express
Supreme News Network
