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Calls Intensify for Cancer to Be Classified as Notifiable Disease
Emphasizing the gravity of the challenges posed by cancer, experts gathered on Saturday to advocate for urgent government action, including the classification of cancer as a notifiable disease to ensure accurate incidence tracking and effective follow-up measures.
Indrani Kaushal, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, underscored the need for decisive measures in addressing the burgeoning cancer crisis. Citing projections from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which anticipate 15.33 lakh new cancer cases annually and an annual mortality rate of approximately 8 lakh, Kaushal highlighted the urgency of the situation.
Speaking at the ‘Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) Roundtable for the Eastern Region’, convened under the auspices of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Kaushal emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance and intervention strategies, particularly in high-incidence states like Odisha.
“Odisha is among the top 12 states contributing to the country’s cancer burden,” Kaushal stated, signaling the pressing need for targeted interventions in the region.
Experts participating in the discussion revealed alarming statistics regarding the inadequacy of cancer care infrastructure in the Eastern region. According to their assessment, 85 percent of districts across four Eastern states lack comprehensive cancer care centers, severely limiting patients’ access to critical treatment modalities.
Raj Gore, co-lead of the FICCI Task Force on Cancer Care and CEO of Healthcare Global Enterprises Limited (HCG), underscored the acute shortage of comprehensive cancer care facilities nationwide. “Less than 30 percent of districts in India have access to comprehensive cancer care centers,” Gore lamented, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure expansion to meet growing demands.
Gore emphasized the multifaceted approach required to address the cancer crisis effectively. “Our focus must extend beyond awareness and prevention to ensure timely and comprehensive treatment for all patients,” he asserted, emphasizing the importance of optimizing patient outcomes through holistic care delivery.
In addition to urging government action, experts called for enhanced prevention and awareness initiatives at the grassroots level. They emphasized the importance of implementing training programs for Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and ensuring that district hospitals are equipped with essential diagnostic tools, such as endoscopes and HPV screening facilities.
As the nation grapples with the escalating burden of cancer, stakeholders stress the imperative of proactive intervention and collaborative efforts to confront this growing public health challenge. With mounting pressure to classify cancer as a notifiable disease, experts advocate for a comprehensive approach to ensure timely diagnosis, treatment, and support for all affected individuals.
