Shillong, Dec 15: Health Minister James Sangma on Thursday called for preventive measures in reducing the number of cancer cases in Meghalaya.
The state is first in tobacco related cancer cases in the country.
Speaking at the inauguration of Department of Atomic Energy funded Civil Hospital Cancer wing, James said it took a long time to open the facility as the project was initiated since 2008.
He announced that the government will set up another cancer wing in Tura.
He hoped that through these initiatives and interventions the state will be able to take care of cancer in a focused manner which will help in combating this disease. “This is just the beginning and there are still a lot of things that need to be done, in terms of diagnosis, treatments, post treatment care, etc. The government has also been encouraging a lot of community participation in the fight against cancer, through the village health councils which the state has started and the health councils will play an integral role in reaching out to the rural masses”, he said.
Stressing the need to reduce the cancer cases, James said in terms of spending in health sector, Meghalaya comes fourth in the country.
He said Meghalaya has implemented the First Cancer Care (FCC) project which will work in tandem with the cancer wing. Cancer treatment takes a very long time, stretches over years, hence a dedicated approach is required, FCC has been brought in order to screen for early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment which will have a huge impact on how the cancer patients are treated thereby increasing the rate of survival of patients, he said.
Besides the cancer wing, OPD facility/indoor facility & day care facility were also inaugurated.
The minister also launched a book titled ‘Meghalaya Mission Cancer Prevention and Early Detection’ .
Senior oncologist of Shillong Civil Hospital Dr Anisha Mawlong, said the mission document can be downloaded from the official website of the State Cancer Society of Meghalaya.
She said the state cancer society has a task to conquer the disease as Meghalaya has high number of cases.
Principal Secretary, Health Department Sampati Kumar said village health councils will be of great use in helping the state to arrest the trend of cancer.
Additional Secretary, Health and Director National Health Mission Ram Kumar S said East Khasi Hills has high prevalence of cancer.
He said the wing will be a place for study and research to understand the cause of high cancer cases in the state. It can also be used for capacity building, he added.
He said Covid had delayed the inauguration as the building was used for Covid patients.
Dr P Kumar, Regional Director, Atomic Mineral Directorate for Exploration and Research also spoke.
Two cancer survivors narrated their fight and a minor boy affected by cancer was also brought to the stage to give courage to those who are affected by cancer.
An official said the initial cost of the construction of the building was Rs 8 crore. Additional expenditure is estimated at Rs 3.8 crore. Tendering process for the equipment will start soon.
