Hon’ble MP Kartikeya Sharma flags off 20 mobile vans, strengthening the Prime Minister’s ‘Swasth Nari–Sashakt Parivaar’ vision
Inspired by the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi of Swasth Nari–Sashakt Parivaar and his emphasis on early detection as the foundation of preventive healthcare, the ITV Foundation expanded its flagship women-centric health initiative, ‘Namo Shakti Rath’, to Varanasi. As part of the launch, 20 mobile vans dedicated to free, timely and AI-based breast cancer screening were flagged off by Hon’ble Member of Parliament Kartikeya Sharma.
The Namo Shakti Rath initiative uses AI-based thermal imaging technology, which is non-invasive, radiation-free and completely contactless. The technology enables early-stage detection while addressing hesitation among women, thereby encouraging wider participation. With its scale, outreach and technology-driven approach, the initiative has emerged as the world’s largest breast cancer screening programme.
The ITV Foundation has consistently worked in the area of women’s health with a long-term and thoughtful approach. Beyond breast cancer screening, the Foundation has for several years organised multiple health camps and awareness programmes dedicated to women and to public health more broadly, reinforcing its commitment to preventive and community-based healthcare.
The launch programme witnessed active participation from local leadership and frontline health workers, reflecting strong institutional and community support. Those present included Hon’ble MP Kartikeya Sharma; Chairperson, ITV Foundation, Ms Aishwarya Pandit Sharma; District Panchayat Chairperson Ms Poonam Maurya; Divisional Commissioner, Varanasi Mandal, Mr S. Rajalingam; District Magistrate Mr Satyendra Kumar; Chief Development Officer Mr Prakhar Kumar Singh; Chief Medical Officer Dr R. Prasad; along with ASHA workers, ANMs and other frontline health personnel.
Speaking briefly on the occasion, Hon’ble MP Kartikeya Sharma said that timely screening is essential to protect women’s health and prevent serious diseases. He noted that the initiative, which began in Haryana on 17 September, reflects the Prime Minister’s belief that early detection is the strongest defence against life-threatening illnesses. He added that while schemes such as Ayushman Bharat have strengthened access to treatment, initiatives like Namo Shakti Rath reinforce the most critical first step of healthcare — early diagnosis.
District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar thanked the ITV Foundation for bringing the initiative to Varanasi and described it as a meaningful step towards strengthening preventive healthcare at the district level.
Divisional Commissioner S. Rajalingam stated that Varanasi is the first district in Uttar Pradesh where this initiative has been launched. He said the district administration is extending full cooperation and emphasised that the active involvement of ASHA workers and ANMs will be decisive for its success. He added that the initiative is expected to directly benefit approximately 7.5 lakh women in Varanasi, and that larger campaigns are being planned around 8 March, marking International Women’s Day.
District Panchayat Chairperson Ms Poonam Maurya termed the initiative highly beneficial for women, stating that coming forward for screening without hesitation can help prevent serious illnesses. She noted that 11 mobile vans will operate in urban areas and 9 in rural areas, using a no-touch, contactless screening method. She also observed that women often delay prioritising their own health and thanked the ITV Foundation and Hon’ble MP Kartikeya Sharma for bringing this initiative to the district.
The Chief Medical Officer welcomed the programme, noting its potential to significantly strengthen early detection and preventive healthcare services for women.
On the first day itself, screening camps were organised near the Commissioner’s office, with strong participation from local women, reflecting immediate acceptance and trust in the initiative.
The expansion of ITV Foundation’s ‘Namo Shakti Rath’ in Varanasi highlights the strength of collaboration between civil society, local administration and elected leadership, reinforcing the core message of Swasth Nari–Sashakt Parivaar — that preventive healthcare, early diagnosis and community participation are essential to building a healthy, empowered and developed India
