Rising cases of cancer in India, the burden on the health of society
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Dr Satyavan Saurabh
Contd from previous issue
According to an estimate, there are only 2,000 oncologists for 10 million patients in India. Furthermore, the infrastructure to support cancer research has a long way to go.
The National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Stroke (NPCDCS) is being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM). The primary components include creating awareness for cancer prevention, screening, early detection, and referral to the appropriate institution for treatment. The 'Tertiary Care for Cancer' scheme was launched with the primary objective of setting up separate units in each state. The National Tobacco Control Program has been launched to create awareness about the dangerous effects of tobacco consumption and to reduce the demand and supply of tobacco products. The Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) was launched to meet the financial demands of cancer treatment, a recent drug discovery for breast cancer patients would be able to increase life span. The drug has an advantage over chemotherapy and may have fewer side effects than the standard treatment. There is a need to increase financial support to the health care sector. The government should discourage the habit of smoking and drinking among the youth. Prohibition of liquor in Gujarat and Bihar is a step in the right direction. (To be contd)
Contd from previous issue
According to an estimate, there are only 2,000 oncologists for 10 million patients in India. Furthermore, the infrastructure to support cancer research has a long way to go.
The National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Stroke (NPCDCS) is being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM). The primary components include creating awareness for cancer prevention, screening, early detection, and referral to the appropriate institution for treatment. The 'Tertiary Care for Cancer' scheme was launched with the primary objective of setting up separate units in each state. The National Tobacco Control Program has been launched to create awareness about the dangerous effects of tobacco consumption and to reduce the demand and supply of tobacco products. The Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) was launched to meet the financial demands of cancer treatment, a recent drug discovery for breast cancer patients would be able to increase life span. The drug has an advantage over chemotherapy and may have fewer side effects than the standard treatment. There is a need to increase financial support to the health care sector. The government should discourage the habit of smoking and drinking among the youth. Prohibition of liquor in Gujarat and Bihar is a step in the right direction. (To be contd)