The Centre has informed Parliament that a recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has identified a significantly higher risk of cancer among individuals residing near river drains. The study found that hazard quotients in these areas exceeded the permissible threshold, posing severe carcinogenic health risks.
Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, stated that high concentrations of lead, iron, and aluminium were detected in these regions, surpassing the limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board.
To address concerns regarding cancer treatment, Jadhav reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding cancer care facilities. Under the scheme for strengthening tertiary care cancer facilities, 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres have been approved to provide advanced diagnostics and treatment. Additionally, the government has established the National Cancer Institute in Jhajjar, Haryana, and a second campus of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata. Cancer treatment facilities have also been sanctioned in all 22 new All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), ensuring comprehensive diagnostic, medical, and surgical care. Jadhav assured that treatment in these hospitals is either free or highly subsidised for economically weaker sections.
Furthermore, cancer treatment is covered under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), benefiting nearly 55 crore people. To enhance access to affordable medication, the government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), which has established 15,057 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) as of February 28. These centres provide quality generic medicines at reduced prices, covering 2,047 types of medicines and 300 surgical devices, including 87 specifically for cancer treatment.
