Srinagar, Sep 22 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir has around 51,000 cancer patients and the government is strengthening screening, early diagnosis and specialised 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, Itoo said two State Cancer Institutes are functioning in J&K, one at SKIMS Soura and another at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu.
The institutes were established with financial and technical assistance from the Union Health Ministry under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), she said.
The government is working to further strengthen infrastructure, equipment, manpower and specialised oncology services at the two institutes, according to the minister.
Itoo said greater emphasis is being laid on early detection as a significant number of cancer cases are detected at advanced stages.
Screening services are being taken closer to the population through community-level and doorstep screening, with suspected cases being referred for further diagnostic evaluation and treatment, she said.
The government said gastrointestinal, lung and breast cancers constitute a significant share of reported malignancies in the region.
An Apex Committee has also been constituted to guide and formulate measures for cancer prevention and control, with the Director, SKIMS designated as the nodal officer for the coordinated response.
The mechanism is aimed at improving coordination in prevention, screening, early diagnosis, referral and treatment, the minister said.
On the financial burden of treatment, Itoo said eligible beneficiaries can avail themselves of cashless or free treatment under Ayushman Bharat at empanelled government and private healthcare institutions, subject to applicable eligibility criteria and guidelines.
Cancer medicines are also being provided free of cost to BPL and AAY beneficiaries, she said.
Poor and needy cancer patients requiring additional financial assistance can receive support under the Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor (CTMFP), subject to eligibility criteria, guidelines and availability of funds.
The minister further informed the House that cervical cancer vaccination has been started in Jammu and Kashmir.
The government is also focusing on breast and cervical cancer along with other major cancers, while expanding awareness and screening programmes, she said.
Itoo said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has held meetings on cancer and treatment facilities in J&K and assured that suggestions made by legislators for strengthening cancer-care infrastructure and services would be examined.
She urged people to participate in awareness, prevention and screening programmes and stressed the importance of timely detection and treatment.
The response was given during the ongoing session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.—(NVI)
