Srinagar, Sep 22: Jammu and Kashmir has around 51,000 cancer patients, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo said in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
Itoo was responding to a question by MLA Mir Saifullah, who sought details about the number of cancer patients, available treatment facilities and steps being taken to tackle the rising cases.
The minister said early detection is crucial and the government has expanded cancer screening at community and doorstep levels to identify cases at an early stage.
She said J&K now has two State Cancer Institutes, one at SKIMS Soura and another at Government Medical College Jammu. Both facilities have been established with support from the Union Health Ministry under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases.
The government said gastrointestinal, lung and breast cancers account for a significant share of reported cases in J&K.
An Apex Committee has also been formed to guide cancer prevention, screening and treatment, with the SKIMS Director appointed as its Nodal Officer.
Itoo said efforts are underway to strengthen cancer-related infrastructure, equipment, manpower and specialised treatment facilities at SKIMS and government medical colleges.
Eligible patients can receive cashless or free treatment under Ayushman Bharat, while BPL and AAY beneficiaries are provided cancer medicines free of cost. Additional financial assistance is available to eligible poor patients through the Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor.
The minister also said cervical cancer vaccination has started in J&K and added that the government is focusing on awareness, prevention and early detection to improve cancer care.
