World Cancer Day: Cancer treatment package for poor in offing: CM

Srinagar, Feb 4: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that the government has devised a major package for cancer treatment of the financially weak section of J&K, and it will be announced “soon”. He expressed concern over the rising cancer cases in J&K.

Speaking on the sidelines of a programme organised by GMC Jammu under the theme ‘J&K Fights Cancer’ to mark World Cancer Day, the CM said cancer incidence in J&K was on rise. “There is no doubt that cancer incidence is increasing,” he said, He said the reason for this was for researchers to explore. The CM said the Government has three responsibilities. The first responsibility is ensuring adequate funding for research so that the causality and relationship for rising cancer cases is established.

In addition, the CM said, the State Cancer Institutes in Kashmir and Jammu must be strengthened with infrastructure “so that the doctors are able to perform their work with efficiency.” He called this his third responsibility. The CM said the third responsibility is the financially weaker sections of population struggling with cancer treatment. “They (economically under-privileged) face problems in treatment due to high cost of medicines,” he said. He said the Government has formulated a special package to address this particular issue. “It will be announced soon,” he said.

The CM addressed a World Cancer Day event at Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu today. He reaffirmed the Government’s role in ensuring the best possible facilities for cancer patients as well as healthcare professionals. He expressed hope for a future when the world would truly be able to celebrate World Cancer Day as the day cancer is eradicated. “Till then, we have to manage this disease as best as possible,” he said. The programme was organised by GMC Jammu under the theme ‘J&K Fights Cancer’ to mark World Cancer Day. The event was attended by Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Jammu West Arvind Gupta, MLA Uri Dr Sajjad Shafi. Secretary Health & Medical Education Department Dr Syed Abid Rasheed, Principal GMC Jammu Dr Ashutosh Gupta, renowned oncologist Dr. Sameer Kaul, senior professors, doctors, faculty members and students were also present on the occasion.