Shillong, Feb 12: Cancer survivors on Monday wanted the state government to provide cure to the patients within the state to avoid costly treatment outside.
The suggestion was made during the two-day Meghalaya Cancer Conclave started from Monday supported by both the state government and Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation (ATNF).
The survivors Wari Lyngwa and Yasmine Lyngdoh, while sharing their survivor tales, stressed the need on the part of the government to make available the facilities for the state patients.
Themed ‘Close the Care Gap’ the conclave aims to address critical issues surrounding cancer care and treatment within the region.
Screening in state
A highlight of the event was the spotlight on the Meghalaya Cancer Care initiative, also known as ‘Meg Can Care,’ launched on May 31, 2023. This initiative aims to tackle five specific cancers: Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Lung Cancer, and Oral Cancer. To date, 46,713 beneficiaries have been screened, with 20,891 identified as at-risk beneficiaries. Additionally, the State Cancer Society has screened 1,392 beneficiaries, identifying 89 confirmed cases and 71 suspected cases within the state. The project underscores the government’s commitment to promoting early detection and screening measures to ensure the well-being of the people of Meghalaya.
Speaking at the conclave, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh emphasised the need for unity among stakeholders to effectively address the challenge of cancer. She stressed the importance of action over mere discussions, advocating for the extension of the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) to provide financial assistance to affected families.
“I appeal to all stakeholders that unless we unite, this challenge will persistently confront us. We must stop discussions; we have to act. The Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) must extend its reach to every affected family and individual grappling with cancer. Ensuring adequate funding is essential to provide financial assistance for cancer patients. We must streamline procedures and eliminate unnecessary formalities for all cancer patients. Prevention is paramount, and early detection is key to combating this dreadful disease. Every citizen of the state should be relieved of the burden of cancer care, and patients must feel secure during their treatment”, she added.
Principal Secretary in-charge health department Sampath Kumar pointed out the benefits of MHIS in taking care of critical illnesses.
“State government paid about Rs 165 crore to the insurance company while the claims of the patients are Rs 200 crore”, he said
Kumar said almost close to 2 lakh households have taken MHIS and if the government had spent Rs 200 crore, this would mean that each family would have taken almost Rs 10,000 as benefits from the insurance.
Secretary of Health & Family Welfare Ram Kumar outlined the comprehensive anti-tobacco initiative implemented by the government and emphasised the importance of grassroots-level engagement in promoting tobacco cessation and early detection initiatives.
Dr. Anisha Mawlong, HOD, Radiation Oncology Department, Civil Hospital Shillong, provided insights into Meghalaya’s journey in tackling cancer.
During the event, the health minister distributed Mobile Endoscopy Units as part of the Meghalaya Mission Cancer Prevention & Early Detection and also launched a promotional video of the First Cancer Care Project.
Other speakers at the conclave included Joram Beda, Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Prof (Dr) Nalin Mehta, Director, NEIGRIHMS, and Dr. K. Ganapathy from Apollo Hospital , among others.
Discussions at the conclave encompassed various aspects of cancer care including early diagnosis, access to quality treatment, epidemiology, technology-enabled screening, supportive care, research, media’s role, and survivorship.
Survivors speak
The cancer survivor, Yasmine Lyngdoh, who was diagnosed with cancer during her childhood, reflected on the need of taking the campaign to the rural areas. She said with hope, “I hope everybody will get proper treatment, because we all deserve it.”
During Covid, a young survivor was diagnosed with medulo blastoma, a tumor in the brain with the involvement of the spinal cord. His mother said, “For parents like us, who had lost hope, to even see a future with our son, we are very happy now that our son is undergoing treatment. We were able to surpass the hardships, and we are very thankful to the doctors and nurses and the staff. We should not be afraid from getting ourselves screened and undertaking the necessary treatments.”
Another cancer survivor, Warimeki Lyngwa, shared her story and reflected on the importance of awareness on removing taboo on cancer. She said, “I think having this conclave will help people discuss about the issues that a lot of cancer patients are facing at grassroots level. I hope that this conclave will be very constructive.”
