Doorstep screening, free medicines for BPL and AAY patients, cervical cancer vaccination underway
Srinagar, Sep 22: Jammu and Kashmir has around 51,000 cancer patients, Health Minister Sakina Itoo said in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, while listing measures taken by the government to improve cancer detection and treatment across the Union Territory.
Itoo was responding to a question raised by MLA Mir Saifullah, who sought details of the number of cancer patients, treatment facilities and steps being taken to support patients who cannot afford the cost of treatment.
Saifullah, while raising the issue, cited 2024 data of around 71,000 cancer patients in Jammu and Kashmir, including more than 50,000 in Kashmir, and sought details of the government’s plans to control the disease and expand specialised cancer treatment facilities.
However, in her response, Itoo said the number of cancer patients in J&K was around 51,000.
The minister said the government had focused on early detection through screening, noting that many patients earlier came to know about the disease only when it had reached an advanced stage.
She said screening was being taken to people through the Health Department so that cancer could be detected at an early stage and the required treatment determined.
Itoo said cancer treatment was already available at SKIMS, while the government was also working to strengthen equipment and facilities at SKIMS and government medical colleges.
She said the aim was to ensure that patients receive treatment based on the type and stage of cancer and have access to the required medicines and equipment.
On financial support for patients, the minister said BPL and AAY beneficiaries are already being provided medicines free of cost.
She also said medicines for eligible cancer patients are covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
On prevention, Itoo said Jammu and Kashmir had started vaccination against cervical cancer.
The minister said the government had taken several steps during the past two years to strengthen cancer-related services and that further measures would be considered based on the requirements of patients.
She also said the government was particularly concerned about breast cancer cases and other cancers reported in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The government alone cannot do anything in this,” Itoo said, stressing the need for wider participation in addressing the disease.
She said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had also held meetings on cancer-related issues and was concerned about improving treatment facilities.
Itoo said the government would consider suggestions from legislators that could help improve cancer treatment and ensure better support for patients.
