SRINAGAR, SEPT 22: Jammu and Kashmir has around 51,000 cancer patients, with the Government expanding screening, diagnosis and treatment facilities across the Union Territory, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
Replying to a question by MLA Mir Saifullah on cancer-care facilities and the proposed establishment of a cancer hospital, Itoo said early detection is being given priority as several cases are detected only at advanced stages.
She said the Health Department is taking screening services closer to people through community-level and doorstep screening, aimed at facilitating early detection, timely referral and treatment.
The Government has established two State Cancer Institutes, at SKIMS Soura and Government Medical College Jammu, with financial and technical support from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).
The institutes are equipped to provide comprehensive and specialised cancer services, including diagnosis, treatment and allied oncology care. The Government is also strengthening infrastructure, equipment, manpower and specialised treatment facilities at SKIMS and Government Medical Colleges, with treatment determined according to the type and stage of cancer.
The Health Department said cancer incidence has been increasing globally, with a similar trend observed in J&K. Gastrointestinal, lung and breast cancers account for a significant share of reported malignancies.
To coordinate cancer prevention, screening and treatment efforts, the Government has constituted an Apex Committee, with the Director, SKIMS designated as its Nodal Officer.
On financial assistance, Itoo said eligible patients can avail themselves of cashless or free treatment under Ayushman Bharat at empanelled government and private hospitals, subject to applicable eligibility criteria and treatment packages. BPL and AAY beneficiaries are also being provided cancer medicines free of cost.
Poor and needy patients requiring additional assistance can also receive support under the Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor (CTMFP), subject to eligibility, guidelines and availability of funds.
The Minister further said cervical cancer vaccination has been started in J&K, while the Government is focusing on breast cancer and other major malignancies through prevention, awareness and early detection measures.
Itoo said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has held meetings on cancer and treatment facilities, while suggestions made by legislators would also be considered for further strengthening cancer-care services.
She stressed that tackling the cancer burden requires wider public participation in prevention, awareness, screening and early detection, alongside Government efforts to expand treatment infrastructure and reduce the financial burden on patients and their families.
