Sakeena addresses conference ‘Mission Cancer-J&K’s Fight against Cancer in coming Decade’
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Tuesday remarked that the present Government led by Omar Abdullah is committed to provide all possible assistance to Cancer patients with creation of best advanced facilities in both the State Cancer Institutes at Jammu and Srinagar.
The Minister made these remarks while addressing a day-long conference “Mission Cancer – J&K’s Fight Against Cancer in the coming Decade” at Government Medical College here. The conference was organised by GMC Jammu in collaboration with ‘BCPBF-The Cancer Foundation’ and ‘Friends of GMC Jammu’, to commemorate the World Cancer day.
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Farooq Abdullah; Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Director SKIMS, Dr. Ashraf Ganai; Principal GMC Jammu, Dr. Ashotush Gupta; noted Oncologist of J&K, Dr. Sameer Kaul; Director ASCOMS Jammu, Dr. Pavan Malhotra; Deans of different specialities, HoDs, doctors and researchers besides large number of medical and paramedical students were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo emphasised the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle the rising incidences of cancer in Jammu and Kashmir. She highlighted the significance of early detection, advanced treatment infrastructure and public awareness, in reducing the burden of cancer. “Cancer is not just a medical challenge; it is a social and economic crisis that affects thousands of families across J&K. We must work collectively to enhance screening programs, promote preventive healthcare, and ensure equitable access to modern treatment facilities across urban and rural areas for all patients,” Sakeena maintained. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that the disease demand not only medical surgical and radiation therapy but also demand social psychological and economical of the aspects associated within it. He said such patients need to be treated with empathy and sympathy. Further he said to make communications with patients and address of their every minor enquiry which is very important and can established a trust amongst the doctors and the patients as well as their attendants. Secretary Health and Medical Education called for organising maximum awareness camps in schools and colleges so that people are made abreast about the cancer disease and myths associated with it.
Principal GMC, Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, in his welcome address, gave a brief about the evolution of GMC Jammu. Principal GMC Jammu, who is also a renowned Oncologist, prepared the cancer policy and carried out the proceedings. Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, while discussing the cancer policy for Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to combat cancer through various strategic initiatives. He laid down several key points aimed at improving cancer prevention, treatment, and care in the region. The first major focus was on the implementation of an effective cancer screening policy for preventable cancers. Dr. Gupta highlighted specific cancers that should be targeted for early detection, including head and neck cancers, breast cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. In addition to screening, Dr. Gupta also recommended the introduction of the cervical cancer vaccine into the Universal Immunization Program (UIP), introducing of oncology facilities in all new medical colleges as per NMC guidelines. These include Chemotherapy services, Surgical Oncology.
Dr. Gupta also called for the strengthening of major tertiary care institutes, such as SKIMS, GMC Jammu, and GMC Srinagar, by ensuring they have high-end oncology facilities. This includes the availability of radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology services. Furthermore, diagnostic tools such as PET scans and advanced molecular oncology labs must be made available to ensure comprehensive cancer care, from diagnosis to treatment. Dr. Gupta stressed the importance of introducing palliative care services in all district hospitals across the region. Dr. Gupta also suggested that the government consider the option of banning or restricting all tobacco products.
The conference saw insightful deliberations by top most Oncologists from across the country on early diagnosis, role of technology in cancer care, government initiatives and J&K’s cancer policy. Prominent among them included Dr. Rakesh Jalali from Appollo Hospital Chenni, Dr. Dipenjan Panda from Apollo Hospital Delhi, Dr. Anusheel Munshi from Delhi, Dr. Vijay Patil from Mumbai, Dr. Vimal Pandita from Dehradun. More than 500 delegates within the State and outside the State attended the said National CME.
