The Jammu and Kashmir government Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that J&K currently has 51000 cancer cases.This was stated by the minister for health and medical education Sakina Itoo while replying to a question raised by MLA Saifullah Mir.
The government informed that the there was an increasing trend in cancer incidences globally and in J&K as well.
"Gastrointestinal, lung and breast cancers constitute a significant proportion of reported malignancies," the House was informed.
The government was replying to queries regarding establishment of a cancer hospital in Jammu and Kashmir.
"The rising cancer incidence in J&K is in line with the global trend. To strengthen the response to the growing burden of the disease, the government has constituted an Apex Committee to guide and formulate measures for cancer prevention, screening and treatment," minister informed the House.
The House was informed that Director, SKIMS, has been designated as the Nodal Officer for the purpose.
On the proposal to establish full-fledged cancer hospitals in different areas of J&K, the government said that two State Cancer Institutes have already been established including one at SKIMS, Soura, and the other at Government Medical College, Jammu.
"The institutes, established 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), are intended to provide comprehensive and specialised cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment and allied oncology services," the minister informed the House. The government said the existing facilities are being strengthened from time to time in terms of infrastructure, equipment, human resources and specialised treatment services, subject to approved norms and availability of resources.
On providing free medicines and treatment to economically weaker sections, the government said it is committed to ensuring accessible, affordable and quality cancer-care services, particularly for vulnerable sections.
"Eligible cancer patients are being provided cashless and free treatment, as applicable, under the Ayushman Bharat scheme at empanelled government and private health institutions, in accordance with prescribed eligibility criteria, treatment packages and guidelines," the minister said.
The government said the scheme covers diagnostic, therapeutic and hospitalisation-related services included in the approved packages.
Besides, poor and needy cancer patients requiring financial assistance are provided support under the Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor (CTMFP) scheme, subject to prescribed eligibility criteria, applicable guidelines and availability of funds.
"The measures are aimed at facilitating timely access to appropriate cancer treatment and reducing the financial burden on eligible patients and their families," the House was informed.
