Centre Intensifies Fight Against Cancer

Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said that the Central Government has launched a comprehensive fight against cancer and is implementing the world's largest cancer screening programme. Speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Hyderabad, she highlighted the government's efforts to improve cancer care.

She stated that free cancer screening is being conducted for people above 30 years of age through 1.84 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the country. So far, screening has been completed for 35 crore people for oral cancer, 16 crore women for breast cancer, and 9 crore people for cervical cancer. Early detection can save lives and reduce treatment costs, she said.

Anupriya Patel also said that the number of medical colleges in the country has increased from 384 before 2014 to 820. Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, around 62 crore people are receiving financial protection for treatment. She praised the services of Basavatarakam Cancer Hospital and appreciated its contribution to affordable healthcare.