NewKerala.com

Key Points

Maharashtra is taking comprehensive steps to address rising cancer cases by establishing four new specialized hospitals. The state government has conducted extensive health screenings, identifying over 13,000 potential cancer patients. A targeted vaccination program for cervical cancer is being implemented, focusing on women aged 9-30 years. The initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to healthcare and early disease detection.

Key Points: Maharashtra Unveils 4 New Cancer Hospitals Amid Rising Cases

  • Four new cancer hospitals planned across major Maharashtra cities
  • 2.5 crore health check-ups conducted with 13,000 suspected cancer patients
  • Cervical cancer vaccination program targeting 9-30 year old women
  • Central government approves 17 day care centres for cancer treatment
3 min read

Four new cancer hospitals to be set up in Maharashtra: Minister

Maharashtra Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar announces four new cancer hospitals in Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur, and Nashik to combat increasing cancer rates.

"Prevention is better than cure - Prakash Abitkar, Public Health Minister"

Mumbai, July 15

Amid the rising cancer cases in Maharashtra, the Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said on Tuesday in the Assembly that four new cancer hospitals will be set up in the state with the help of Public Health Department.

These hospitals will be located in Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur and Nashik.

Positive action is being taken for the construction of these hospitals, Minister Abitkar added.

He was replying to a half-hour debate on rising number of cancer cases and the efforts to treat the patients.

"The incidence of cancer among women is increasing in the state. The government is sensitive about this and in line with the motto 'prevention is better than cure', a special campaign will be implemented in the state for cancer diagnosis," the Minister said.

Assembly members Sudhir Mungantiwar had moved a half-hour discussion on the increasing incidence of cancer among women.

Assembly members Rahul Patil, Praveen Datke, Raju Navghare, Bapu Pathare, Samadhan Avtade, Captain Tamil Selvan, Satyajit Deshmukh, Shweta Mahale and Manjula Gavit participated in this discussion and appealed to the state government to increase medical facilities to treat cancer patients.

Minister Abitkar said that new packages of treatment are being added to the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.

"The number of diseases treated through Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana will also increase. Treatment for all cancers will be included in this. Guidelines from the Central government are coming for cervical cancer vaccination in the state. After these instructions are received, a vaccination campaign will be implemented. Cervical cancer vaccination will be done to girls and women in the age group between 9 to 30 years. Especially, vaccination will be completed on priority for girls in the age group of 9 to 14 years," he added.

"Health check-ups of 2.5 crore citizens were conducted in the state. This included one crore women. Out of the women examined, 13,000 women were found to be suspected cancer patients. They are being examined. Eight cancer diagnosis vans are operational in the state. A large-scale awareness campaign will also be implemented in the state to dispel the fear of cancer patients. The Central government has approved 17 day care centres in the state for the treatment of cancer patients. All facilities will be provided in those centres," he said.

Action is being taken to reserve a fund of Rs 1 crore from the District Planning Committee Fund for cancer treatment and prevention, he said, adding that a meeting will be held to provide all the facilities for cancer diagnosis and treatment in the district hospitals of the state.

The Minister said that standard operating procedures will be created to use the social responsibility fund of companies in the medical sector for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

He appealed to the public representatives to give suggestions on the government's schemes and initiatives for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
The cervical cancer vaccination initiative is commendable! But government should ensure these vaccines reach rural areas too. Many village women don't even know about such preventive measures. Awareness campaigns are equally important.
A
Aman W
Good step but implementation is key. We've seen many such announcements before. Hope they actually complete these hospitals within promised timelines. Cancer patients can't wait for years!
P
Priya S
As someone who lost my mother to cancer last year, I appreciate this initiative. But please also focus on palliative care. The pain management facilities in government hospitals are inadequate. 😔
V
Varun X
Why only 4 cities? What about smaller towns like Aurangabad or Kolhapur? Cancer doesn't discriminate based on location. Government should think about tier-2 cities too.
N
Nisha Z
The diagnosis vans are a brilliant idea! Early detection saves lives. Hope they expand this to more districts soon. Also, treatment under Jan Arogya Yojana will help poor patients immensely. 👍
K
Karthik V
While this is positive, we need to address root causes too - pollution, pesticides in food, tobacco use. Prevention is indeed better than cure. Government should run anti-tobacco campaigns with same enthusiasm.

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