Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Apr 2: While there is six fold increase in the number of cancer patients in the Jammu and Kashmir, a total 56,716 such patients have been registered with the Oncology Departments of Govt Medical Colleges, Jammu and Srinagar besides Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura.
These startling revelations were made by the Minister in-charge Medical Education Taj Mohi-ud-Din in the Upper House of the Legislature during Question Hour today. He was replying to question and subsequent supplementaries of National Conference Legislator Dr Bashir Ahmed Veeri. The Minister admitted that the number of cancer patients was rapidly increasing in the State and it was matter of concern.
Giving details, the Minister said about 56,716 patients of cancer have been registered with the Oncology Departments of GMC Jammu/Srinagar besides SKIMS Soura. While giving year wise break up the Minister indicated that over six times increase in the number of such patients has been witnessed in last four years. He said during 2008 total 4565 cancer patients visited the OPDs/ other units of these hospitals while their number increased to 5112 during 2009. The number again increased to 8064 in 2010 while it was witnessed as 17648 in 2011. During 2012, the number went up to 28,229. A total 9011 patients were provided Radiotherapy fractions , 10940 patients chemo-therapy while 782 new patients have reported during last year. Apart from this 5041 patients are under follow up check ups, 1441 are getting supportive care whereas, 741 are under counseling. 273 new patients have undergone screening recently.
Responding to yet another question, Mr Taj said no formal assessment report by the Medical Science experts in the matter is available in the State. However, as per rough data collected from the Department of Radiation Oncology of GMCs and SKIMS, the incidents of cancer are on rise. Replying to yet another question regarding action being taken by State regarding preventive measures and make the public aware, the Medical Education Minister said that GMCs Srinagar and Jammu besides SKIMS have separate Regional Care Centres having learned faculty. The faculty is also involved in public awareness campaigns through audio-visual media. Awareness is also given through Press/ media besides the faculty organizes such campaigns with department of community medicine, NGOs and other educational institutions in this direction. Several members raised supplementaries which were ably replied by the Minister.
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