People living near river drains face high cancer risk, govt tells Parliament

Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav told Parliament that the research showed high levels of lead, iron and aluminium in these regions, exceeding the permissible limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board.

Addressing concerns over cancer treatment, Jadhav emphasised the government’s commitment to expanding cancer care through the strengthening of tertiary care cancer facilities scheme. Under this initiative, 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres have been approved to provide advanced diagnostic and treatment services.

To further strengthen cancer care, the government has established the National Cancer Institute in Jhajjar, Haryana, and a second campus of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata. Additionally, cancer treatment facilities have been approved in all 22 new All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), ensuring access to comprehensive diagnostic, medical and surgical services. Jadhav assured that treatment in these hospitals is either free or highly subsidised for economically disadvantaged patients.

The minister also highlighted that cancer treatment is covered under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), benefiting approximately 55 crore people. To enhance access to affordable medication, the government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), establishing Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) across the country. As of February 28, a total of 15,057 PMBJKs are operational, offering quality generic medicines at reduced prices. The scheme covers 2,047 types of medicines and 300 surgical devices, including 87 specifically for cancer treatment.

With these initiatives, the government aims to improve cancer care accessibility and ensure that life-saving treatments are available to those in need.